A photograph capturing President Joe Biden momentarily donning a "Trump 2024" cap during a 9/11 commemoration event has been circulating on social media platforms, leading to misleading claims about the president's political stance.
The image, taken at the Shanksville Volunteer Fire Department in Pennsylvania, shows Biden smiling among a small crowd while wearing a red cap with "Trump 2024" written on it. This occurrence took place during Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris' visits to various 9/11 memorial sites on September 11, 2024.
The context of this interaction was clarified by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre during a briefing on September 13, 2024. She explained that Biden had given a presidential hat to a man wearing a Trump cap. In return, the man suggested Biden put on his Trump cap, which the president did briefly, eliciting applause from those present.
"In return, the man said that, in the same spirit, the president should put on his Trump cap. And so, the president did very briefly."
Despite the lighthearted nature of the exchange, some social media users misinterpreted the gesture. Posts on platforms like Threads and X (formerly Twitter) falsely claimed that Biden had endorsed Donald Trump for the upcoming presidential election.
It's important to note that Biden has not altered his political stance. In July 2024, he announced his endorsement for Vice President Kamala Harris after withdrawing from the presidential race. This endorsement remains unchanged.
The incident highlights the significance of fact-checking in the age of rapid information spread on social media. The Shanksville Volunteer Fire Department, located near the Flight 93 National Memorial, has become a symbol of resilience and remembrance since the 9/11 attacks.
As the 2024 United States presidential election approaches on November 5, 2024, it's crucial for voters to verify information from reliable sources and understand the context behind viral images and claims.