On December 15, President Donald Trump signed an executive order designating fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction. Drug Enforcement Administration officials say the designation will make it easier for the agency to address fentanyl trafficking. Some experts, however, questioned the rationale for the designation and expressed skepticism that it would reduce fentanyl-related deaths. Online reactions were mixed. Some social media users praised the Trump administration for “finally doing something” about fentanyl. Others claimed the executive order was a pretext to justify military action against Venezuela, a country the administration has falsely identified as a major source of illicit fentanyl in the U.S.
Recommendation
Online conversations about fentanyl often recycle false or misleading claims about the drug and its sources. These conversations may create an opportunity to provide clear, factual information about what fentanyl is, the risks associated with its use, and populations most at risk of opioid use disorder. Health communicators may also share information about recognizing and preventing opioid overdoses, including the use of fentanyl test strips, opioid overdose-reversing medications, and resources for people seeking treatment for opioid abuse disorder.
Fact-checking sources: PolitiFact, NPR
