In the White House and in many US government institutions, the lowering of the flag to half-staff caused wide discussions on social networks. Especially against the background of rumors about President Donald Trump’s “death,” these photos spread even faster and sparked various speculations among people.
In reality, the lowering of the flag was connected with a completely different event. On August 27, Trump decided to lower national flags to half-staff in honor of the victims of the bloody shooting at a Catholic school and church in Minneapolis. According to his order, until sunset on August 31, the flag would fly at half-staff in all federal institutions, military bases, embassies, and consulates.
According to the official statement, two people were killed in the shooting, and 17 were injured, including 14 children. The perpetrator was identified as 20-year-old Robin Westman, and police reported that he committed suicide.
At the same time, the half-staff flags further fueled various rumors about Trump. On August 30, reports of his “death” spread like a wave across social media. However, official sources denied this. According to a journalist from “Axios,” Trump is alive and his condition is stable. He noted that the president was seen in the White House wearing a white polo shirt and a red “Make America Great Again” cap shortly before the motorcade departed.
Questions about Trump’s health had been raised earlier as well. In July, the White House confirmed that he had chronic venous insufficiency, which causes swelling in the legs. The official information stated that this illness was not life-threatening but could lead to increased vein pressure, swelling, and stomach ulcers. On social networks, however, after photos appeared showing Trump’s swollen legs, various speculations about his health spread.
Thus, the lowering of flags in America was, on the one hand, connected with honoring the victims, and on the other hand, it revived rumors about the president’s health. Officials firmly emphasize that these rumors have no basis and Trump’s health has not worsened.
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