In a time of unprecedented global crisis, leaders’ responses can shape public perception and emotional reactions. A recent study published in Politics and the Life Sciences investigated how then-President Donald Trump’s televised address on the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the emotions of his followers and non-followers. The findings reveal significant differences in emotional responses based on political allegiance. The COVID-19 pandemic brought not only health challenges but also political tension. Trump’s approach to handling the crisis, particularly his use of terms like “China flu,” has b…