Featured Image Credit: Win McNamee/Getty Images
Topics: Melania Trump, Politics, US News, Donald Trump
Rhianna Benson
Topics: Melania Trump, Politics, US News, Donald Trump
Everyone's favourite conspiracy theory is back in full swing, with some social media sleuths convinced that Melania Trump's 'clone' has been paraded about in public this week by husband Donald.
For those unfamiliar with the outlandish proposition, it has long been joked that many of the First Lady's recent public appearances aren't quite as they seem, and that Melania has actually been swapped out for a body double.
Some jesters claim that an 'actress' was hired to play the 55-year-old during official engagements because she no longer wishes to be seen in the open with her Republican other-half. Others believe she's been 'swapped out' for safety reasons.
The theory seemed to kickstart all the way back in 2017 during a visit from the Presidential pair to a group Secret Service agents tackling the hurricanes in Florida.
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At the time, a video showing the mother-of-one standing as still as a statue went viral, with Trump remarking: "My wife Melania…who happens to be right here."
But what is keeping such an insane theory afloat?
In the past, some conspiracists have noted alleged changes in Melania's physical appearance in a short period of time as 'evidence' - things like her jawline suddenly looking like that of another individual, her seemingly growing taller, or her face shape changing in general.
A large proportion of the 'proof' used to support said theory, however, comes from the grand, often elaborately-styled accessories that Melania dons during public engagements.
And in-keeping with this tradition, the First Lady was spotted out in public yesterday (11 Jun) with her husband donning a gigantic pair of sunglasses as the two ventured to a live performance of Les Miserables at the Kennedy Center in Washington.
After a snap of the couple went viral online, one conspiracy theorist concluded: "Sunglasses, that's fake Melania."
Another agreed: "Cool to see fake Melania is out and about," as a third asked: "Why is Fake Melania wearing sunglasses at night again?"
"That is definitely the fake Melania," wrote another.
And a fifth penned: "Sunglasses usually indicate fake Melania."
Other conspiracy theorists have picked up on different 'clues' that the First Lady's body double is being brandished by the President.
"That is so obviously photoshopped," one chimed in on the image. "The right arm and hand are clearly not hers when compared to the left."
Another wanted to double check the snap hadn't been PhotoShopped in some way, asking: "@grok is this image verified?"
"Fake Melania, check the smile," a third advised.
Whilst the Slovenian-born star has never herself commented on the bonkers theories, Trump did hit back at comments that wife had been replaced by a professional actor in 2019.
The 78-year-old claimed that such conspiracists often amend photographs of Melania to fit the theory.
"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," he tweeted. "They are only getting more deranged with time!"