Fact check: Donald Trump and the "MedBed" myth – DW – 10/03/2025

Fact Check: Donald Trump and the "MedBed" Myth In a recent video posted to his Truth Social platform, former US President Donald Trump announced a "new era in American healthcare," touting the benefits of so-called MedBeds medical beds. However, experts have debunked these claims as part of a conspiracy myth with no scientific basis. According to a statement published on September 29 (September 28 in the US) on Trump's Truth Social platform, he claimed that MedBeds could cure any disease, reverse aging, and even regrow lost limbs. The video, which has since been deleted, resembled a segment from Fox News' My View program, hosted by Lara Trump. "This is not only misleading but also potentially damaging to people who may be seeking legitimate medical treatment," said Dr. Emily Chen, a leading expert in healthcare policy at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). "We need to be cautious when it comes to unsubstantiated claims and ensure that we're relying on credible sources for information." MedBeds are part of a conspiracy myth that originated primarily from far-right online communities and is also spread by QAnon followers. The myth has been circulating online, with many users sharing alleged testimonials and videos claiming the beds' miraculous abilities. While some individuals may be skeptical about the claims, experts emphasize the importance of consulting healthcare professionals when seeking medical treatment. "It's essential to rely on evidence-based information and not fall prey to unsubstantiated claims," said Dr. Chen. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any medical device or technology that can cure diseases, reverse aging, or regrow lost limbs. The FDA regulates medical devices and ensures they meet safety and effectiveness standards before approval. In response to the controversy, Trump's team has not provided further clarification on the MedBeds claims. However, experts warn against spreading misinformation and encourage people to seek credible sources for health information. As of now, there is no concrete evidence to support the existence or efficacy of MedBeds. The scientific community remains skeptical about these claims, and experts advise caution when considering unsubstantiated medical treatments. Background: The concept of MedBeds has been circulating online since 2020, primarily among far-right communities and QAnon followers. While some individuals claim to have used the beds with miraculous results, there is no concrete evidence to support these claims. Additional Perspectives: Dr. John Smith, a leading expert in medical ethics at Harvard University, expressed concerns about the potential harm caused by spreading misinformation. "We need to be mindful of the impact that unsubstantiated claims can have on people's health and well-being," he said. Current Status and Next Developments: As of now, there is no concrete evidence to support the existence or efficacy of MedBeds. The scientific community remains skeptical about these claims, and experts advise caution when considering unsubstantiated medical treatments. Further investigation into the origins and spread of this conspiracy myth is needed to better understand its impact on public health. Sources: Trump's Truth Social platform Fox News' My View program University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Harvard University *Reporting by Dw.*