Melania Trump Accused Of Copying Michelle Obama Again, Maybe Wrongly This Time

While President Donald Trump was condemned by Republicans and Democrats alike for not not calling out white supremacists for their "Unite the Right" march, which left one dead and at least 34 injured in its wake, first lady Melania Trump came in for criticism of a different kind despite her reaction to the violence hitting all the right notes.

Soon after the violence at the rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, Melania tweeted Aug. 12, "Our country encourages freedom of speech, but let's communicate w/o hate in our hearts. No good comes from violence. #Charlottesville.”

However, no sooner had the first lady put out her tweet that a meme started doing the round claiming that Meliania's response on Twitter was copied from a comment made by former first lady Michelle Obama last year.

Although it’s still an unproven claim whether Melania stole Obama's words, Twitter had a field day over the allegation as this would not be the first time that the first lady has been accused of plagiarising Obama.

Social media users debated whether Melania was a repeat offender.

Back in July 2016, when Melania addressed the Republican National Convention on its opening night, many pointed out that her speech was similar to the one that Obama had given at the Democratic National Convention in 2008.

While political speeches could be derived from a standard set of ideals and promises, Melania's speech was nearly identical to Obama’s, not just in content but also in wordings.

Melania Trump, 2016:

“From a young age, my parents impressed on me the values that you work hard for what you want in life; that your word is your bond and you do what you say and keep your promise; that you treat people with respect. They taught and showed me values and morals in their daily life. That is a lesson that I continue to pass along to our son, and we need to pass those lessons on to the many generations to follow. Because we want our children in this nation to know that the only limit to your achievements is the strength of your dreams and your willingness to work for them.”

Michelle Obama, 2008:

“And Barack and I were raised with so many of the same values: that you work hard for what you want in life; that your word is your bond and you do what you say you're going to do; that you treat people with dignity and respect, even if you don't know them, and even if you don't agree with them. And Barack and I set out to build lives guided by these values, and pass them on to the next generation. Because we want our children — and all children in this nation — to know that the only limit to the height of your achievements is the reach of your dreams and your willingness to work for them.”

While the possibility of plagiarism has not been ruled out in the latest instance, reports said the viral meme was most likely a spoof.

Meanwhile, Gov. Terry McAuliffe of Virginia declared a state of emergency after the clashes. The deceased was identified as Heather D. Heyer, a paralegal and a “passionate advocate for the disenfranchised and was often moved to tears by the world’s injustices."