Jayme Leagh Franklin, a conservative media entrepreneur and former Trump White House official, denied online rumours that she used a device to keep Donald Trump awake during an Oval Office event. The speculation arose after footage of Trump appearing tired while signing a vaccination-related executive order went viral, with viewers focusing on Franklin’s movements behind him; the episode illustrates how quickly unverified claims can spread around political footage.

Franklin said the suggested “zapper” was not real and that she was simply present for the event, having previously worked in Trump-world politics and founded the conservative lifestyle brand The Conservateur. The order reportedly called for changes to childhood vaccination schedules, including giving measles, mumps and rubella vaccines separately, while the video also renewed scrutiny of Trump’s appearance and alertness during public events.