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Fact check: Did Melanie Trump have an affair with Canadian President Trudeau
1. Summary of the results
The claim of an affair between Melania Trump and Justin Trudeau is completely unsupported by evidence. The interaction that sparked these rumors was actually a standard diplomatic greeting - specifically an "air-kiss" - at a G7 summit [1] [2]. Multiple sources confirm this was nothing more than a routine diplomatic formality [2].
2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints
Several important contextual elements are worth noting:
- The incident occurred at the 2019 G7 Summit, where such greetings are standard diplomatic protocol [2]
- The speculation gained traction primarily through social media and entertainment channels, including commentary from Jimmy Kimmel [1]
- There were also separate, unrelated rumors about Melania Trump and Hank Siemers, the head of Trump Tower security [3]
- The European-style greeting (double air-kiss) is a common formal greeting in diplomatic circles, but can be misinterpreted in still photos [2]
3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement
Several factors contribute to the spread of this misinformation:
- Media Sensationalization: Multiple sources point out how media outlets tend to overdramatize routine diplomatic interactions for entertainment value [2]
- Social Media Impact: The story gained traction through memes and social media speculation rather than legitimate reporting [3]
- Cultural Misunderstanding: What appears "amorous" in still images is actually a standard European diplomatic greeting [2]
- Distraction Effect: The speculation serves as a distraction from more serious world events and diplomatic matters [2]
The sources consistently emphasize that this was a manufactured controversy that overshadowed actual diplomatic proceedings and serious world events.