WaPo removes imagine ‘to never have to think about President Trump again’ headline after premise confusion

The Washington Post announced early Friday it had removed a tweet featuring the headline, “Imagine what it would be like to never have to think about President Trump again,” with the publication saying the news of President Trump’s positive COVID-19 test “rendered it tasteless.”

The tweet, pictured below, was written Thursday and released through an automated program. 

The Post has removed a tweet pictured below, which was written Thursday and released through an automated program, because the subsequent news of President Trump’s infection rendered it tasteless. pic.twitter.com/yVsocNl2MG

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) October 2, 2020

The opinion piece by columnist Eugene Robinson focused on getting Trump out of office by voting Democratic nominee Joe Biden in, and did not have anything to do with the president’s condition regarding the coronavirus.

The Post changed the headline to “Vote for Biden and get Trump out of your head” on Friday morning.

Vote for Biden and get Trump out of your head. https://t.co/hga6Y8zuzp

— Eugene Robinson (@Eugene_Robinson) October 2, 2020

The original headline had drawn a backlash on social media. 

Astonishing… pic.twitter.com/ADDvLHT4ui

— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) October 2, 2020

Less than an hour after news broke of Trump’s coronavirus diagnosis, the Washington Post tweeted, “Imagine what it will be like to never have to think about Trump again.” pic.twitter.com/tSovK6YTH0

— Cernovich (@Cernovich) October 2, 2020

Presidential physician Sean Conley said in a memo released by the White House late Thursday that the president and first lady “are both well at this time, and they plan to remain at home within the White House during their convalescence.”

“The White House medical team and I will maintain a vigilant watch, and I appreciate the support provided by some of our country’s greatest medical professionals and institutions. Rest assured I expect the President to continue carrying out his duties without disruption while recovering, and I will keep you updated on any future developments,” Conley added.