Kathrine Frich
A staff member with a striking resemblance to Melania Trump stepped onto the tarmac.
The intense spotlight of Washington usually follows the president’s family wherever they travel. But lately, political watchers are noticing a familiar silhouette on the runway instead of the actual first lady.
Seeing double
President Donald Trump boarded Air Force One on Tuesday for a trip to Ohio. He was surrounded by top aides, but his wife was nowhere in sight.
Instead, a staff member with a striking resemblance to Melania Trump stepped onto the tarmac according to The Irish Star. Margo Martin wore dark sunglasses, black pants, and a white top, prompting a double-take from casual observers.
The 31-year-old works as a communications advisor for the president. Fox News reported that she walked alongside White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
Trump once praised the aide, calling Martin “the most beautiful photographer in the world,” according to the outlet. Social media users frequently mistake the young staffer for the first lady.
Missing from action
The presidential jet was heading to the Patriot Games in Geneva, Ohio. The administration created the sporting competition to celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the country.
Trump plans to watch top teenage athletes compete for a massive college prize. The winning boy and girl will each take home a $125,000 scholarship.
Melania Trump did not join the entourage. Her absence follows a growing pattern of skipped public appearances throughout the summer.
Fox News noted that the first lady has not been seen at an official outing since mid-July. She last appeared with her husband and their son at the FIFA World Cup final.
A quiet summer
The list of missed events just keeps growing. She entirely skipped the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner late last month.
Four days later, she was absent from the memorial service for Senator Lindsey Graham. An analysis by the Daily Beast highlights just how rare her public sightings have become.
According to the Daily Beast, Melania has only been seen in public on 38 days of the year so far. That makes her one of the least visible first ladies in modern history.
The publication added that she made only five public appearances across both June and July. It remains completely unclear when she will step back into the spotlight.
Sources: The Irish Star, Fox News, Daily Beast
