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Donald Trump campaign team defends #MelaniaTrump

Published:Tuesday | July 19, 2016 | 12:00 AM
AP
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, right, stands with his wife Melania on stage after introducing her during the Republican National Convention, on Monday.

The campaign team for Donald Trump has come to the defence of the Republican's wife, Melania Trump, who is facing accusations that a portion of her speech delivered at the Republican National Convention last night plagiarised Michelle Obama.

Mrs Trump's speech, which brought the convention to its feet, had themes of inclusivity, honesty and hard work but commentators noticed similarities with Mrs Obama's 2008 convention speech.

Mr Trump's campaign manager, Paul Manafort, said there was no copying of Michelle Obama's speech arguing that Mrs Trump used common words.

Manafort blamed Hillary Clinton for the row.

It was Mrs Trump's first speech of the campaign and she had the help of a speech writing team.

Republican National Committee Chairman, Reince Priebus, did not blame Mrs Trump, but added he would probably fire the speechwriter over the controversy.