Melania Trump’s speech at the Republican convention in Cleveland Monday night seemingly included a “Rickroll” moment that ignited online rumors of a mole within her husband’s campaign.
Donald Trump’s campaign found itself Tuesday morning denying reports that his wife “cribbed” elements from a 2008 speech by Michelle Obama, but her speech also included lines reminiscent of Rick Astley’s 1987 chart-topper “Never Gonna Give You Up.”
It has been a running joke since 2007 to trick people into watching videos that feature Mr. Astley’s song.
“He will never, ever, give up … and he will never, ever let you down,” Mrs. Trump said Monday night.
Video was soon uploaded to YouTube of the billionaire’s wife spliced with Mr. Astley singing, “Never gonna give you up! Never gonna let you down!” The video generated nearly 100,000 views in less than 24 hours.
“How can they provide security for our country when they can’t even hire a speechwriter that won’t set you up?” asked one viewer.
Buzzfeed U.K. editor Tom Phillips tweeted, “I thought the thing about Melania Trump’s speech including a Rickroll was a joke. Watched the video. IT’S REAL.”
The website then consolidated tweets wondering who infiltrated the Trump campaign and inserted a “Rickroll” into its convention speech.
“I’m no conspiracy theorist, but between the plagiarism and the probable Rickroll, I’m not convinced this wasn’t a deliberate sabotage,” wrote Jaclyn Friedman.
“So, apparently there was also a Rickroll during Melania Trump’s speech. Hillary Clinton’s team is on some genius double agent s—-,” added Ian McNair.
Roughly 10 million Americans watched Mrs. Trump’s speech on ABC, CBS and NBC combined, Reuters reported Tuesday.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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