Trump is alive. So why did rumors of his
Trump is alive. So why did rumors of his
Death goes so viral?
Death goes so viral?
Embedded Files
Is President Donald Trump dead? No. Still, many online insisted otherwise.
Over Labor Day weekend, internet rumors abounded over the president's health. These rumors appear to have been fueled by a lack of recent public appearances by Trump, as well as photos that appeared to show bruising on the president's right hand. Other photos that showed Trump's right hand covered in makeup didn't help quell the speculation either.
The online discourse reached such a fever pitch that Trump himself eventually commented on it, discussing it during a Sept. 2 press conference from the Oval Office, his first public appearance since Aug. 26.
"I didn't do any (news conferences) for two days, and they said, 'There must be something wrong with him,' " Trump told reporters. "Biden wouldn't do them for months, you wouldn't see him, and nobody ever said there was ever anything wrong with him, and we know he wasn't in the greatest of shape."
Trump isn't the first political figure to face health scrutiny − and he almost certainly will not be the last. Remember the rumors about Senator Mitch McConnell that circulated after he froze up during a press conference? Or the scrutiny President Joe Biden faced throughout his term that reached a boiling point after his stumbling debate performance against Trump?
Would you be interested in a free mini puzzle? Play the USA TODAY Quick Cross now.
According to mental health experts, there are many nuances when it comes to speculating about a politician's health. Though a personal topic, experts say that, by and large, politicians do have a duty to be transparent about personal health matters with the public. And, in an age when rumors fly so swiftly online, they shouldn't be surprised when wildly untrue rumors surface either.
'I was very active over the weekend': Trump addresses online speculation about his health
Keep Playing
"It's not ethical for health practitioners to diagnose people from afar, regardless of whether they're a celebrity or a politician," Amy Morin, psychotherapist and the host of the Mentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin podcast, previously told USA TODAY. "But it may be important to assure that someone in a position of power is getting treated by a professional to ensure that they still can perform the duties assigned to their position."
Rumors and gossip have been around since the dawn of humanity. What's new, however, is the speed at which they now travel, thanks to the internet.
When a rumor involves a well-known or powerful figure − like a politician or celebrity − that only adds to the intrigue.
"That's been around way before the internet. It's just now we have a medium where it goes around the world in seconds," psychotherapist Stephanie Sarkis says. "Whenever it involves someone in power, that especially gets a lot of traction."
Want to stay up-to-date on the latest health and wellness news? Sign up for our Better Yet newsletter.
Rumors also spread faster when there's at least a hint of truth to them, or what seems to be the truth at a glance. No, Trump is not dead − nor is there any evidence he's currently on the cusp of dying. But the White House has been open about some of the president's medical issues. He was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a common vein condition, the White House said in July, after photos showed visible swelling in his legs and bruising on his right hand. White House physician Sean Barbabella described the condition in a memo as "benign and common" and the marks on his hand as "consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking."
Another reason people may be drawn to health rumors about world leaders, in particular, Sarkis says, is that contemplating worst-case scenarios is how people cope.
"Sometimes, our systems go on high alert, because what happens now?" Sarkis says. "We know by the constitution what happens, but we don't know what that's going to look like."
More: Mitch McConnell and when it becomes OK to talk about someone's personal health issues
More: Trump's appearance, that speech and the problem with speculating about a public figure's health
"There may be situations where a political leader’s health directly impacts their ability to perform their duties," Brad Fulton, associate professor of management and social policy at the Indiana University – Bloomington, previously told USA TODAY. "In those cases, there might be a legitimate public interest in knowing about their health condition. Yet, such discussions should avoid being speculative or sensational."
Whatever the case, when considering personal health matters, Fulton added: "It is important to balance the public’s right to information with the individual’s right to privacy."
Plus, for better or worse, rumors and gossip are also a means through which people find connection with each other − something people are desperately seeking in an age when feelings of loneliness remain high.
"There becomes kind of a community around that rumor," Sarkis says. "Back in the olden days, before the internet, you would call up somebody that you hadn't talked to in a while ... but, on the internet, you're gaining followers."
Should politicians address viral health rumors? It's complicated
Should politicians address viral health rumors? It's complicated
Health is a sensitive subject. Not every person owes the world an explanation when untrue rumors about them spread.
But, with politicians, it's different. The public relies on their ability to perform the duties for which they were elected. Assuring the public they're physically capable is important, experts say.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse