Featured Image Credit: MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images
Topics: Donald Trump, Melania Trump, Politics, Social Media
Emily Puckering
Topics: Donald Trump, Melania Trump, Politics, Social Media
Internet sleuths are at it again with the wild Melania Trump 'body double' conspiracy theory, with Redditors this time picking apart a snap of the first lady arriving at an airport with her husband earlier this year.
So... for those not in the loop, let me give a quick recap.
Ever since Donald Trump began his first term of presidency back in 2017, people online have been speculating over wife Melania's public appearances.
Yep, many believe that on several occasions in the last eight years, the woman accompanying the president is not the first lady and is, in fact, a 'body double'.
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One of the theories speculates that the 55-year-old former model no longer wishes to be seen out in public with her Republican husband, so an 'actress' has been hired to stand in her place, while another claims a body double has been put in place for 'safety reasons'.
While Melania has never addressed the bizarre speculation herself, her husband - who began his second term of presidency in January this year - has.
Trump, now 79, took to Twitter back in 2019 to shut down claims of a Melania body double, writing: "The Fake News photoshopped pictures of Melania, then propelled conspiracy theories that it’s actually not her by my side in Alabama and other places.
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"They are only getting more deranged with time!"
Well, it seems Trump's claims six years ago were to little avail as the conspiracy theorists seem to be louder than ever, with one Redditor reigniting the debate earlier this year following the couple's arrival in Los Angeles to tour the wildfire devastation.
Sharing a photo of the newly sworn-in president, Melania and California Governor Gavin Newsom at the airport from January, they wrote: "Is nobody talking about how this is 100% not Melania?? It doesn’t look anything like her."
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And many were quick to agree, with one writing: "Yes, some time ago my sister noticed the 'stand-in'. I concurred. Trump's wife hates him as much as anyone."
Another added: "It looks like her to me, but it wouldn't shock me if she had a double the way she clearly hates being around him."
While a third pointed out: "Why is she so expressionless? I honestly don't think she is even there. Looks photoshopped in."
But it seems there's light at the end of the tunnel, as many were quick to slam these 'weird' conspiracies and point out that the woman stood next to Trump was none other than Melania herself.
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"Guys can we not... This is very obviously her," one wrote. "Can we please focus on the things that actually f**king matter."
And another said: "Nah it's her just with another pound of make up on. It's probably easier to look more different with shades and that jacket on."
While one internet detective added: "Its her. Do an ear lobe deep dive."
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I think it's time to put this conspiracy theory to bed, don't you?