Capitol Flags at Half-Staff Misinterpreted Amid False Claims of Biden's Death

Flags at the U.S. Capitol are currently flying at half-staff, leading to widespread misinformation on social media regarding the status of President Joe Biden. Contrary to claims circulating on platforms like X, the flags are not lowered in honor of the president, who is alive and was seen arriving at Dover Air Force Base on Tuesday afternoon. The flags are at half-staff to honor U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas, who passed away on Friday night. House Speaker Mike Johnson's office confirmed that the flags were lowered specifically for Jackson Lee, who had publicly announced her diagnosis with pancreatic cancer earlier this year. Despite the clear reason for the flag's position, social media posts erroneously suggested that the half-staff display was a sign of Biden's death, with some users even alleging foul play related to COVID-19. Biden had been isolating at his vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, after testing positive for COVID-19. Reports indicate that throughout his illness, he did not experience a fever, and his vital signs remained stable. The president is scheduled to address the nation from the Oval Office on Wednesday evening, further dispelling rumors about his health. This incident highlights the rapid spread of misinformation online, particularly during sensitive times, and underscores the importance of verifying facts before sharing them.