Kathrine Frich
Rumours have always followed high-profile political families, especially when public appearances leave room for interpretation.
This week, an old conspiracy theory surrounding the US First Lady resurfaced once more, fuelled by a brief moment caught on camera as the Trumps departed Washington.
The latest wave of claims erupted after Donald and Melania Trump left the White House for their Thanksgiving trip to Florida, triggering social media users to insist the woman beside the president was not Melania at all.
Recurring claims
According to Newsner, online speculation about a supposed “body double” has surfaced repeatedly in recent years.
This time, posts on X quickly drew attention to screenshots from Tuesday evening, with some users insisting the woman in the footage appeared shorter or heavier than usual.
One person wrote:
“It doesn’t look like Melania! Could it be the Fake Melania?” while others questioned her height, weight and behaviour.
Several comments also claimed she avoided cameras during the walk toward Marine One.
Public scrutiny
The Trumps’ marriage has long attracted media discussion, with years of speculation suggesting personal tension.
Despite the commentary, the couple has continued to appear together for major events, maintaining a united public presence.
Even so, the First Lady often becomes the target of amplified rumours, from gossip about their relationship to internet-driven narratives about stand-ins.
These latest posts revived the pattern, spreading widely despite the absence of supporting evidence.
Confidence on her own
In separate reporting, the Daily Mail cited body-language specialist Judi James, who argued that Melania Trump often appears more self-assured when speaking without her husband.
James described an earlier solo appearance as a “boost” for the First Lady, saying she addressed audiences with the presence of “a star in her own right.”
She added that Melania’s formal portrait for the second term projected the image of a corporate leader, emphasising control and authority.
The analyst said Melania showed no signs of nervousness during recent engagements and communicated in a more relaxed, spontaneous way.
Social media reaction
Despite expert assessments focusing on her composure and independence, the latest online debate centred solely on appearance.
Users compared images of the First Lady from earlier in the week to the Thanksgiving departure, claiming inconsistencies.
Others dismissed the theory entirely, noting that angles, lighting and distance often distort live footage of public figures.
Still, the idea of a “fake Melania” continues to attract attention every time a new photo or video circulates.
