Melania Trump’s Election Day Sunglasses Reignite “Fake Melania” Conspiracy Theories
(AP)
On Election Day, former First Lady Melania Trump’s choice to wear oversized black sunglasses, even indoors, sparked renewed conspiracy theories that a body double might be standing in for her. Melania accompanied Donald Trump to a polling station in Palm Beach, Florida, where her persistent use of the dark shades indoors reignited speculation among online theorists.
Since 2017, the idea that Melania has a “stand-in” for public appearances has periodically resurfaced, and this latest appearance added fuel to the long-running rumor mill. Social media quickly caught onto Melania’s fashion choice, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where users voiced their suspicions. One user commented, as reported by Nicki Swift.
“That person standing next to Trump indoors with huge sunglasses does NOT look like Melania,” while another added, “Looks like Fake Melania with Trump at the voting booth! Is it me???” Echoing the sentiment, another user noted, “I’m not into conspiracy theories, but I thought the same & agree that doesn’t look like she & she’s been AWOL for how long now? Also, who wears sunglasses indoors?” Another simply remarked, “Could be the fake Melania; the face doesn’t look right.”
The roots of the “Fake Melania” conspiracy theory date back to 2017, when images of Melania at public events led some to believe she had been replaced by a lookalike. The White House dismissed these claims as “ridiculous non-story” distractions from Melania’s work on initiatives like the opioid epidemic. However, the theory resurfaced on multiple occasions, notably in October 2017 and again in 2020, when a viral image of a helicopter exit prompted widespread speculation that an “imposter” was present.
Over the years, even public figures have joked about the “Fake Melania” rumors. Director Zack Bornstein once tweeted, “The only thing I’ll miss from this administration is them swapping in new Melanias and just pretending we won’t notice, like a 4-year-old with a guppy.” Comedian Patton Oswalt also joined the conversation, posting, “That’s…SO not Melania. They didn’t even try.”
The “Fake Melania” theory is not the only conspiracy surrounding the former First Lady. As Mirror reports, another theory imagines Melania as a “Russian spy,” citing her Slovenian heritage (Slovenia was once part of communist Yugoslavia) and her interactions with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the 2017 G-20 summit as supposed evidence. While no credible evidence supports this theory, it continues to circulate in some conspiracy circles.
Perhaps the most outlandish theory suggests that Melania has been replaced by a lifelike robot—a theory which, like others, has no basis in fact but reflects the fascination some have with Melania’s relatively private public persona and her carefully managed appearances. In reality, there is no evidence to support any of these claims.
The White House and Trump family have consistently dismissed the body double speculation as unfounded. However, Melania’s tendency to keep a low profile and avoid the campaign spotlight adds an air of mystery that fuels such theories. Her choice of oversized sunglasses may simply reflect her personal style, but it has once again provided plenty of fodder for internet conspiracies about her identity and role in the Trump presidency.
