Skip to content

In Their ‘Own’ Words: Previous Examples of Political Plagiarism

Read their words for yourself

Melania Trump is just the latest in a long line of people in politics to be accused of plagiarism. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Melania Trump is just the latest in a long line of people in politics to be accused of plagiarism. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

Melania Trump’s speech at the Republican National Convention Monday night featured what seems like some pretty egregious lifting from Michelle Obama’s 2008 Democratic convention address. But it’s far from the first time someone in politics has tried to pass someone else’s words as their own. We broke down some major instances of political plagiarism so you can judge for yourself: Were these words stolen?  

plagiarism (1)


Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call on your iPhone or your Android.

Recent Stories

Capitol Ink | Sure shot

Feenstra lays groundwork to run for Iowa governor

Challenge to Wisconsin map adds latest wrinkle to 2026 House fight

GOP race to take on Sen. Jon Ossoff heats up in Georgia

Trump pivots from populist economic campaign ideas

Trump is running for reelection (right now)