IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK: Donald Trump tests positive for COVID-19

It’s no secret the world has a love/hate relationship with Donald Trump. Over the years he’s given society numerous reasons to call him out, question his intentions and just downright scream WTF?! Nevertheless, he’s been receiving increased attention this year with the upcoming U.S. Presidential Election and of course his comments around the global pandemic.

Most notably, Trump suggested an ‘injection’ of disinfectant could kill the virus, used the term ‘Chinese Virus’, and proclaimed that if the U.S. stop testing, they would have fewer cases. Meanwhile, it’s clear from the data that the pandemic in the U.S. is the worst in the world – with over 7.3m confirmed cases and over 200,000 deaths. In comparison, Australia has 27,000 confirmed cases and less than 900 deaths.

On October 2 the President announced that he and his wife Melania had tested positive for COVID-19, along with more than 43,000 others in the U.S. that day. However, upon the announcement media were quick to call out the diagnosis as fake. Social commentator and author Jane Caro was one of the first to speculate, arguing with fans on Twitter about the matter. I even overheard people in the gym yesterday talking about the “conspiracy”.

Many people took to Twitter with their death wishes for Trump, however the social media conglomerate quickly banned the posts – a move which opened up the platform to criticism that it should enforce the same policy for everyone.

With the election just weeks away, it doesn’t seem like the smartest PR move to fake a COVID diagnosis. Not only for the aforementioned negative press, but also the fact he has to socially isolate until he tests negative…but then again, is that what he secretly wants? To avoid all other events and debates where he may potentially embarrass himself and his Party further?

I’ll let you decide for yourself.

By Rachel Demarco – PR/Marketing Manager at InsideOut PR and #AsSeenOn