A widely shared image of Melania Trump posing partially nude with a briefcase has been miscaptioned as being taken on Jeffrey Epstein's airplane. The photo, originally published in GQ magazine's January 2000 issue, was actually taken on Donald Trump's Boeing 727, according to the publication's photographer and archived magazine captions.

Social media users circulated the image with false claims that it was shot aboard Epstein's aircraft following the release of the documentary "Melania" in early 2026. The image was authentic and not manipulated, but the context was completely fabricated. GQ photographer Antoine Verglas captured the photos for the men's magazine feature, which included Trump wearing handcuffs, wielding diamonds, and holding a chrome pistol.

This misinformation emerged as Melania Trump defended her nude modeling work ahead of her memoir release in September 2024. She characterized the photoshoot as artistic expression celebrating the human form, questioning why the media scrutinized her fashion work. The incident highlights how authentic images can be weaponized with false narratives, particularly involving high-profile political figures and controversial individuals like Epstein.