Amid a flurry of falsified images and doctored photos, the internet has been swirling with erroneous assertions that former President Donald Trump is gravely sick or even deceased, despite his very public denial of such claims. During a White House press conference, Trump, age 79, labeled these internet health rumors around him as mere ‘fake news’. His proclamation followed a conspicuous lack of his presence in public gatherings and media events the previous week. The hashtag ‘Trump dead’ saw increasing popularity on digital platforms since the last Friday, generating a tidal wave of views.
Among the many misleading arguments presented by social media users was a representation of assumed road blocks in the proximity of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland, insinuating Trump’s admission in the center for treatment of a serious health concern. However, such a piece of news was never corroborated by any credible sources. Moreover, any claim of road blockages around the health facility was proven unfounded.
On a similar note, social media was quick to spread a snapshot of an ambulance parked in front of the White House, suggesting a possible health crisis involving Trump. The reality was far removed from the assumptions. The circulated photo turned out to be a dated one dating back to a time when Trump’s antecedent, Joe Biden, was holding office, ironically contributing to the false narrative.
A faction of users suggesting the demise of Trump supported their claim with a deceptive visualization of the White House flag at half-mast, a traditional tribute given at the death of a high-ranking individual. However, this instance was nothing more than a misrepresentation. Interestingly, Trump had not long ago declared a decree to fly flags half-staff at the White House, military bases, and naval centers countrywide, paying homage to the victims of a school shooting tragedy in Minneapolis.
A misleading close-up image of Trump’s visage was also rampant, with the claim that it revealed a pronounced line above his eye, supposedly indicative of a recent stroke. However, there was no physical evidence of such a line on Trump’s face. The photograph used in this deceptive narrative had been digitally manipulated.
The propagation of such inaccurate information continued even after Trump’s public denial, where he claimed: ‘NEVER FELT BETTER IN MY LIFE’. This did little to curb the misleading rumors floating around his health situation. The fake narratives even amplified following Trump’s press conference, in which he condemned health rumor mongering.
The persistence of these falsehoods highlights an increasingly worrying trend of facts being under attack within a digital domain filled with misinformation. The situation becomes even more complex and problematic due to a rising public sentiment of skepticism towards institutions and mainstream media.
Keeping a finger on the pulse of a U.S president’s health is a time-honored tradition. However, since 2017, with the presidency being occupied by individuals of advanced ages, the monitoring has reached an unprecedented level of intensity. Trump, as the oldest individual ever to be elected U.S president, has insinuated Democrats’ supposed cover-up of Biden’s mental and physical deterioration, who was 82 at his presidency’s culmination.
The health of Biden, often mocked and underestimated, was a significant topic during the elections. As the oldest President, his ability to maintain a rigorous schedule was questioned. Instead of focusing on substantial issues, detractors kept bringing up his age, and incapability to successfully lead the nation.
Biden was forced to discontinue his campaign for a second term following a performance against Trump as the magnifying glass on his health intensified. It’s interesting that the misinformation spread about Trump’s health was also, at one point, utilized against Biden, often portrayed in a derogatory manner.
However, it is crucial to highlight that the rhetoric around the health of candidates has always been used as political ammunition. The wave of misinformation around their health only increases public distrust and further divides a nation that needs to come together.
This scenario reflects the broader landscape of internet hoaxes and disinformation campaigns aimed at discrediting political figures. Such behavior not only undermines the common standards of fairness and decency, but also endangers the democratic process, misleading voters and manipulating public opinion.
Ultimately, the propagation of false information, especially concerning the health of political candidates or office holders, is a reckless endeavor. While it is crucial to evaluate governmental figures’ fitness to be in charge, these assessments should always be based on credible information, free from political prejudices and biases.
The significant question that arises from the spreading of unverified information, however, is about the responsibility of digital platforms. How can these misinformation spreaders be held accountable for their actions, and more importantly, what can be done to make digital platforms safer, more trustworthy places for diffusion of news?
The post Trump Slams Endless ‘Fake News’ Amid Health Rumors, Biden Silent appeared first on Real News Now.
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