Speculations on social networks in relation to the alleged death of US President Donald Trump reveals more about the current information climate than about his health.
US President Donald Trump/ Photo: EPA/ EFE
Donald Trump's death rumors have been intensely circulated online in recent days, generating thousands of posts, memes and viral videos, before such information has a real basis. It is not the first time that a political personality becomes the subject of conspiracy theories. The death of Joseph Stalin, in 1953, was announced late and remains, today, surrounded in suspicion. However, in Trump's case, the story has grown without the event itself happened.
“How did you find out on the weekend that you died?“, Ironically asked a Fox News reporter, Peter Doocy.” Have you seen what was said? “
“No,” Trump replied dryly, while officials and senators present in the Oval Bureau were smiling slightly embarrassed.
A digital culture obsessed with presence
The rumors did not give too many details about Trump's health, which, at 79, is the oldest president who took over in the US. Instead, they have brought to light an online culture marked by misinformation, political desires expressed by ghosts and an economy of attention in which the constant presence of leaders becomes the norm, writes The Guardian.
“This unstoppable hunger for Donald Trump to disappear even intelligent people to believe, without evidence, that it can – finally,” says Larry Jacobs, director of the Center for Political Studies at the University of Minnesota. “It is an open window to the way misinformation circulates quickly and convincingly on the Internet.”
In fact, in the absence of public appearances for several days, social networks have been invaded by questions such as “Where is Trump?” Or “Is Donald Trump alive?”. The terms “dead trump” and “is Trump dead?” They have become top Google searches, according to Forbes.
Absence, as an abnormality
The absence of the president in the public space for several days – including on the extended weekend of the Labor Day – was perceived by some as a crisis signal. Although he was seen going to his golf club in Virginia daily, the images were unclear, and Trump did not stop talking to the press.
He added fuel to speculation and a post with an old photo, in which he appears playing golf with a former football coach. The reaction of a political consultant on the X network was eloquent: “It is incredible. The president of the United States obviously lies about his activities, and the lack of curiosity of the press is amazing.”
In parallel, dozens of satirical videos and memes appeared. One of them was the alleged “proof” that Trump is “good”, joining an old image, from youth, in which he appears with Jeffrey Epstein.
Trump reacted with his own posts, claiming that “I never felt better”, but for those convinced of theory, this was not enough. Some have stated that messages are written by counselors trying to mask the truth.
Rumors, in parallel with reality
However, during the week, Trump reappeared publicly in an event in the Oval Office, announcing the relocation of the US space command. He answered the questions of journalists, including those related to speculation about his death.
“I heard they said,” Is it okay? What happens? “”he commented, qualifying everything as “fake news” and adding that “it was very active at the weekend.”
The rumors also coincided with a lack of official information on his health. Trump has repeatedly refused to publish the full medical file. In the past, he was observed with bruises on his hands and swelling at his ankles. The White House said that the former president suffers from chronic venous insufficiency, and bruises would be caused by “frequent hands and daily aspirin administration.”
Vice President JD Vance also offered an ambiguous statement in an interview for the Today. Although he claimed that Trump is “in good form”, he added that he is “prepared” to take the duties if necessary – a formulation that has contributed to speculation.
A culture dependent on the “Trump show”
Political commentators note that the absence of the president in the media space creates a vacuum that immediately becomes suspicious. “It is so ubiquitous that if it disappears for 36 or 48 hours, it seems to be missing something essential,” explained Reed Galen, the president of a pro-democracy coalition. “For those who live politically from Trump's criticism, it is as if you have not received the daily portion of indignation.”
“Donald Trump is the same age as Joe Biden,” says Democrat Strateg Drexel Heard. “And yet we do not see the same level of media coverage. It is a difference that he himself cultivated, insisting on the idea that Biden is too old.”
From rumor to political opportunity
Last but not least, the episode has been quickly transformed into a campaign tool. A pro-Trump political committee sent an e-mail entitled “I am alive!”, In which the president criticizes the press and political opponents for “lies and insinuations”.
