Donald and Melania Trump were seated with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, among others. Melania’s relationship with Pope Francis was previously noted as “awkward” during their 2017 meeting. Although Melania claimed fluency in Italian, she needed a translator when the pope asked if she fed Donald a Slovenian cake, potica. After some confusion, Melania replied: “Potica, yes.”

Author Mary Jordan later revealed in The Art of Her Deal that despite reports, Melania mostly spoke English during the meeting, responding with “Thank you. Nice to meet you,” and later adding, “Oh, I would love it. Thank you. Grazie,” when gifted a rosary.

At the funeral, Melania wore an all-black Dolce & Gabbana outfit, complete with a black mantilla and gloves, reflecting her longstanding relationship with the brand.

However, conspiracy theories quickly emerged. After footage of Donald and Melania boarding a helicopter circulated online, some claimed it wasn’t actually Melania. “Fake Melania,” one user wrote, noting she wore flat shoes—something the real Melania rarely does. Others commented on her coat and posture, speculating a body double stood in for her.

This isn’t the first time such theories surfaced. On Election Day 2020, similar rumors spread when Melania wore sunglasses indoors. Critics pointed to missing rings, different facial features, and even suggested the woman seen looked “20 years younger.”

Whether or not there’s any truth to the theories, one thing remains clear: Pope Francis’ funeral drew global attention—and not just for the historic significance of the man being honored.