Merlin the duck becomes an unexpected guest as Mexico’s President Sheinbaum holds Monday briefing

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum held her Monday morning news briefing with an unusual guest in the room, as “Merlin the duck” entered ahead of her, took a seat facing reporters, and quickly became the focus of the exchange, according to PBS NewsHour.

The duck appeared in the briefing wearing a green jersey associated with Mexico’s national soccer team. PBS NewsHour also reported that Merlin wore a FIFA tie, adding to the attention as journalists inside the briefing space adjusted their coverage and questions around the moment.

PBS NewsHour described the duck’s movement into the room as happening shortly before or as Sheinbaum began the session, with the animal positioned close enough to be seen by reporters and to remain seated in view. The report characterized the episode as brief but memorable, with Merlin drawing cameras and attention even as the briefing continued.

The incident unfolded during a high-visibility part of Sheinbaum’s public schedule, when the president’s staff and the press typically follow strict logistics for access, audio, and question periods. In this case, PBS NewsHour said Merlin’s presence redirected the first wave of attention in the room, suggesting that even in highly controlled settings, unexpected visitors can become part of the news cycle.

While the episode appeared to be more of a cultural and media moment than a policy development, PBS NewsHour’s account frames it as a sign of how widely shared symbols and familiar sports imagery can travel from stadium and tournament culture into everyday government communications.

The report did not describe any disruption of public services, changes to official messaging, or any formal security response tied to the duck’s entry. It also did not provide details on who brought the animal to the briefing or whether officials had arranged for the moment.

Still, the episode highlights the practical realities of modern briefings, where officials operate under close media scrutiny and where public-facing spaces can quickly turn into an impromptu scene. For audiences, it also adds an unusual, sports-themed footnote to the Monday schedule of a sitting president.

As Sheinbaum’s team continues regular briefings, the next question for observers will likely be whether officials adjust internal protocols for unexpected arrivals in press-access areas, or whether Monday’s moment remains confined to the news cycle created by the viral-looking duck.