Facebook Deletes Post From Donald Trump Comparing Coronavirus To Seasonal Flu

Facebook has deleted a post from US President Donald Trump for comparing the coronavirus to the seasonal flu.

After being discharged from hospital following a positive Covid-19 diagnosis, Trump said he has never felt better and told Americans to not let the virus dominate their lives.

The Commander in Chief has taken to social media to warn his countrymen and women about the seasonal flu as the US edges towards winter.

Writing on Twitter, Trump said: "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!!!"

A similar post was deleted by Facebook for violating its policies on coronavirus information and Twitter has flagged it for potential misinformation.

Facebook's policy communications manager Andy Stone told the BBC: "We remove incorrect information about the severity of Covid-19, and have now removed this post."

Twitter added: "This Tweet violated the Twitter Rules about spreading misleading and potentially harmful information related to COVID-19. However, Twitter has determined that it may be in the public's interest for the Tweet to remain accessible."

The message from the President was flagged and deleted because it seemingly downplayed the severity of the coronavirus, something Trump has done throughout the pandemic.

PA

American continues to lead the world with coronavirus infections and deaths, with. 7.55 million cases and 213,000 fatalities respectively.

Comparatively, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said around 22,000 Americans died from the flu during the 2019-20 season.

The President's doctor said he was no longer experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus since being discharged from Walter Reed Medical Center.

Dr Sean Conley said in a statement: "He had a restful first night at home, and today he reports no symptoms. Vital signs and physical exam remain stable."

Trump's statement about not letting the virus dominate your lives has caused emotional discontent for many Americans who have lost loved ones during the pandemic.

Facebook has removed a post from Trump in the past when he claimed that children are essentially 'immune' from getting Covid-19.

Topics: News, Donald Trump

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

@stewartperrie