Trump’s False COVID-19 Claim Labeled as Misinformation by Facebook and Twitter
Social Media Platforms Take Action Against Misleading Post
Facebook and Twitter swiftly intervened after President Donald Trump falsely claimed that COVID-19 is “far less lethal” than the flu. The posts, shared just hours after his return to the White House following hospitalization for COVID-19, violated both platforms’ policies on pandemic-related misinformation.
Platform Responses:
- Facebook: Removed the post entirely, citing its policy against spreading false claims about COVID-19 severity.
- Twitter: Hid the tweet behind a warning label and restricted engagement, preventing likes, retweets, or replies without quoting.
Trump’s Tweet: “Flu season is coming up! Many people every year, sometimes over 100,000, and despite the Vaccine, die from the Flu. Are we going to close down our Country? No, we have learned to live with it, just like we are learning to live with Covid, in most populations far less lethal!!!” — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 6, 2020
A Pattern of Misinformation
This isn’t the first time Trump’s posts have been flagged for spreading COVID-19 falsehoods. In August, Facebook removed a video he shared falsely claiming children were “almost immune” to the virus. Despite repeated corrections, misleading comparisons between COVID-19 and the flu persist, despite overwhelming evidence of the pandemic’s higher fatality rate and long-term health impacts.
Key Facts About COVID-19 vs. the Flu:
- Fatality Rate: COVID-19 has proven significantly deadlier than seasonal influenza.
- Health Complications: The virus can cause severe, long-term damage to multiple organs.
- Public Impact: Over 200,000 U.S. deaths had been attributed to COVID-19 by October 2020.
Broader Implications
Trump’s hospitalization did little to curb his dissemination of misinformation. Instead, his posts shifted focus to undermining mail-in voting and attacking tech platforms. He has repeatedly called for repealing Section 230, a legal safeguard protecting social media companies from liability over user content.
What’s Next?
- Election Impact: Trump’s stance on COVID-19 and tech regulation could influence public perception ahead of the 2020 election.
- Platform Policies: Facebook and Twitter face ongoing challenges in balancing free speech with responsible content moderation.
As the pandemic continues, accurate information remains critical—making the role of social media in combating misinformation more important than ever.
📚 Featured Products & Recommendations
Discover our carefully selected products that complement this article’s topics:
🛍️ Featured Product 1: Jupiter Jacket – Taleah Print
Image: Premium product showcase
Carefully crafted jupiter jacket – taleah print delivering superior performance and lasting value.
Key Features:
- Professional-grade quality standards
- Easy setup and intuitive use
- Durable construction for long-term value
- Excellent customer support included
🔗 View Product Details & Purchase
🛍️ Featured Product 2: Iben Zip Jacket – Leather Brown With White
Image: Premium product showcase
Premium quality iben zip jacket – leather brown with white designed for professional use with excellent performance and reliability.
Key Features:
- Premium materials and construction
- User-friendly design and operation
- Reliable performance in various conditions
- Comprehensive quality assurance
🔗 View Product Details & Purchase
💡 Need Help Choosing? Contact our expert team for personalized product recommendations!
