White House Clarifies Flag Protocol Amid Viral Rumors

In a statement issued Saturday, the White House confirmed that the American flag above the Executive Mansion was lowered to half-staff on August 30, 2025, as part of a presidential proclamation honoring the victims of the Annunciation Catholic School shooting in Minneapolis. The proclamation-signed by President Trump on August 27-directs all federal buildings, military posts, and embassies to fly the flag at half-staff through sunset on August 31.

The announcement came in response to widespread social-media speculation suggesting that the gesture signaled the President’s death, rumors which were amplified under the hashtag #TrumpIsDead. White House officials stressed that the timing-and a temporary interruption of the White House livestream-was purely coincidental and unrelated to any changes in the President’s health or status. No credible evidence supports the baseless reports of President Trump’s demise.

According to the proclamation, lowering the flag at half-staff honors the memory of two children killed and 17 others injured in the tragic school shooting. The White House reiterated its commitment to accurate information and urged the public to refer to official sources for updates.