Over the weekend, a bizarre and unfounded rumor spread online: President Donald Trump had died. The speculation went wild after he wasn’t seen in public for two days.
Since his return to the presidency in January, the 79-year-old’s health has been under intense scrutiny. This is especially true after he spent his 2024 campaign criticizing Joe Biden’s age and fitness. By the end of this term, Trump will become the oldest U.S. president ever sworn in, slightly surpassing Biden’s record.
The rumor mill started churning on August 30 when Trump had no public events scheduled. Instead of assuming he was simply resting, a wave of online users claimed he had passed away. The stories exploded, spreading across social media until they became a global talking point.
The speculation was finally put to rest when President Trump appeared on the South Lawn with his granddaughter. His public appearance immediately debunked the false claims, but it left many questioning how quickly misinformation can spread and what responsibility social media platforms have to stop it.
What do you think? Should social media companies be more proactive in stopping these kinds of rumors, or is it up to users to fact-check before they share?