Trump’s military parade has spurred a new wave of speculation among eagle-eyed viewers as murmurs about Melania being replaced by a body double have resurfaced following her mannerisms at the event.
Throngs of social media users have been abuzz, hotly debating whether the figure they saw was indeed the First Lady or an impostor.
A baffled observer questioned on X: “Ummm I don’t think that’s really Melania Trump… she seems nice and warm and older and wider… is that a body double? ! !”.
Contributing to the flurry, one user remarked: “It’s not really Melania. I’m a Republican, voted for Trump every time he ran and would again. But, this is a body double and not a very good one.”
Though it may stretch credulity, the ‘Melania body double’ remains a conspiracy theory embraced by numerous supporters, as highlighted by the Irish Star, reports the Mirror US.
An X fan added to the intrigue by sharing an image depicting Melania smiling broadly during the procession: “A Melania Trump Body Double is a conspiracy theory I 100% believe”.
Despite concerted discrediting efforts by fact-checking entities like snopes, such rumours persist, potentially fuelled by Melania’s sparse public presence.
Spring reports have disclosed that Trump’s third bride had spent a scant 14 days in the White House throughout his initial century of days as Commander-in-chief.
Melania Trump is often the subject of jokes due to her perceived lack of interest in her husband, sometimes even seeming repulsed. As such, when she appears cheerful, rumours circulate about a potential ‘fake Melania’ stepping in.
The First Lady also drew attention for her smiles and looking ‘different’ during the highly-publicised parade, but was later seen reverting to her usual detached demeanour, with some spectators suggesting she ‘fell asleep’.
Seated next to her husband as they watched the parade, onlookers noticed that Melania appeared to be nodding off. Images and footage from the event showed Melania with her eyes closed, a stark contrast to her husband who seemed much more engaged.
One social media user watching the peculiar scene unfold at home commented, “Melania looks bored.
“This #parade is one of the most boring things on TV ever and absolutely a waste of lifetime ! ! No wonder why half of the #administration nearly falls asleep …. including… #Melania,” another remarked.
Trump’s parade, initially planned to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the US army and coincidentally held on the president’s birthday, faced widespread criticism. Meanwhile, across the country, No Kings Day protests broke out following a week of civil unrest in Los Angeles.
Helicopters and World War II-era aircraft were seen flying overhead, while Army parachutists landed near the White House where Trump and Melania were positioned.
The Trumps were joined by other high-ranking officials, including Cabinet members and Republican lawmakers, as well as special guests such as singer Lee Greenwood and Dana White, head of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
As they made their grand entrance, a 21-gun salute rang out and the iconic presidential anthem, “Hail to the Chief,” was played, marking the beginning of the spectacular parade.