President-elect Donald Trump joined SpaceX CEO Elon Musk in Boca Chica, Texas, on November 19 for the test launch of the Starship rocket. While the event marked a significant milestone for SpaceX, Trump's appearance drew attention online, with some speculating about the use of a body double. Observers noted he appeared “thinner and tanner than usual,” fueling conspiracy theories.
“This is not Trump. It is a double—he’s embalmed—he is smaller than Trump—jawline is wrong too!” one Twitter user claimed. Another commented, “Look at the hands—that’s the hands of a younger man. Maybe 35–40 years old.” The speculation extended to theories about CIA masks and cloning, with one user stating, “It might just be me, but that kind of looks like one of those CIA masks.”
The event, held at SpaceX's Starbase facility, drew hundreds of attendees, including Texas Senator Ted Cruz. The rocket's launch had a mixed outcome, with the booster stage failing to recover but the upper stage successfully splashing down in the Indian Ocean.
Before the event, Trump expressed excitement on social media, tweeting, “I’m heading to the Great State of Texas to watch the launch of the largest object ever to be elevated… Good luck to @ElonMusk and the Great Patriots involved in this incredible project.”
Despite the online theories, no official statements have been made to address the speculation surrounding Trump’s appearance. The event remains a pivotal moment for SpaceX’s ambitious Starship program.
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