President Donald Trump faced significant backlash after sharing misleading claims on his social media platform, Truth Social. Over the weekend, he appeared to promote false narratives regarding federal troops in Portland and AI-generated medical technology. The incidents sparked concerns about the accuracy of information Trump consumes and disseminates.
On Saturday, Trump claimed he had authorized federal troops to protect what he referred to as “war-ravaged Portland” and suggested he would deploy them with “full force, if necessary.” Shortly thereafter, he shared an AI-generated video that falsely promised innovative healthcare technology, dubbed “med beds,” which he claimed would restore health to Americans. The video included imagery that purported to originate from Fox News but was proven to be fabricated.
The misleading video claimed that every American would soon receive their own med bed card, facilitating access to new hospitals staffed by top doctors and equipped with advanced technology. Trump’s announcement was misleading as these med beds do not exist. As highlighted by Media Matters researcher Alex Kaplan, the video was never aired on any Fox News program, including “My View with Lara Trump,” as it claimed.
The AI-generated content gained traction before it was removed from Trump’s account on Sunday. Many followers, particularly those in the QAnon community, expressed hope that Trump would soon unveil hidden healthcare solutions. This phenomenon raises concerns, as numerous individuals facing severe health issues clung to the false promise of these imaginary devices. Some have even refused legitimate medical treatment, believing that such technology would restore their health almost instantly.
On the same day, Trump’s actions regarding Portland drew criticism from local leaders. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek asserted that there was no insurrection or public safety threat justifying the president’s military deployment. Kotek described her conversation with Trump, stating, “I told him in very plain language there is no insurrection or threat to public safety that necessitates military intervention in Portland or any other city in our state.”
Oregon and Portland filed a 41-page lawsuit against Trump’s actions, citing misrepresentation in a Fox News report that featured outdated footage from protests in 2020. As noted by Oregon’s Democratic Senator Ron Wyden, the president’s perception of Portland appears to be shaped by outdated media narratives.
In a separate instance, Trump appeared to rely on outdated visuals from Fox News to justify his military orders. Keith Wilson, the mayor of Portland, expressed disappointment over the use of recycled footage from previous protests to legitimize Trump’s actions.
The president’s recent healthcare promises also drew attention. He has been promoting “hemp-derived CBD” as a remedy for age-related ailments. Observers noted that Trump’s long-promised healthcare plan has yet to materialize, raising questions about the credibility of his claims.
As these events unfolded, Trump’s susceptibility to sensational media coverage became increasingly apparent. In a Sunday interview, he acknowledged the discrepancy between his televised information and what was occurring on the ground in Portland. “I spoke to the governor, she was very nice… but I said, ‘Well wait a minute, am I watching things on television that are different from what’s happening?’” Trump remarked.
Despite the mounting criticism, some of Trump’s supporters dismissed the misleading claims as harmless jokes. However, the impact of such misinformation on vulnerable individuals dealing with serious health issues cannot be overlooked. The juxtaposition of Trump’s statements against the reality on the ground illustrates the challenge of navigating misinformation in today’s media landscape.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of Trump’s statements on healthcare and military actions will likely resonate beyond his immediate circle of supporters.