US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (2 September) dismissed social media rumours questioning his health, including claims that he was gravely ill or even dead. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, the 79-year-old US president labelled the speculation “fake” and criticised the media for fuelling the narrative.
“It’s so fake,” Trump said when asked about the rumours. “That’s why the media has so little credibility. I knew they were saying, like, ‘Is he OK? How’s he feeling? What’s wrong?’ Well, it’s fake news.”
He went on to add, “I didn’t hear the one about being dead. That’s pretty serious. But it’s fake. I was very active over the weekend.”
“It’s fake news. It’s so fake,” he repeated on Tuesday. “I was very active this Labour Day weekend.”
What Trump said about his weekend disappeaence?
Trump explained that the speculation appeared to stem from his decision not to hold public engagements for two days. “Last week, I did numerous news conferences, all successful. They went very well. Then I didn’t do anything for two days and they said there must be something wrong with him,” he told reporters.
The president pointed out that it was a long weekend owing to Labour Day, during which he conducted interviews, held a Cabinet meeting that lasted over three hours, and visited his golf club in Virginia. “A lot of people know I was very active this Labour Day,” he said.
Trump health concerns
The rumours come against the backdrop of ongoing public discussion about Trump’s health. In July, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the president had experienced swelling in his lower legs and bruising on his right hand.
According to his physician, Dr Sean Barbabella, the swelling was caused by chronic venous insufficiency, a condition common in individuals over 70. The bruising on his hand was linked to “minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and aspirin use,” which forms part of his cardiovascular prevention regimen.
The White House has since downplayed the concerns, stressing that Trump is managing the condition well. Officials insist there is no cause for alarm, with the president continuing to maintain a full schedule of political and official engagements.
Trump, oldest US President
At 79, Trump holds the record as the oldest individual to assume the presidency, having taken office in January. His age has inevitably placed health matters under closer scrutiny, with his opponents often seizing on any reports of illness or reduced visibility.
Despite this, Trump’s aides have repeatedly emphasised his stamina, pointing to his frequent appearances, lengthy press conferences, and continued travel. The president himself has been quick to use accusations of “fake news” to deflect speculation, as he did again this week.
Conspiracy theories surrounding Donald Trump’s health surged after Vice President JD Vance’s recent remarks in an interview with USA Today. Vance, addressing speculation about the 79-year-old president’s wellbeing, expressed confidence that Trump remained “in good shape” and would continue to serve his term.
However, his acknowledgement of the possibility of “terrible tragedies” fuelled online chatter, particularly when he spoke of being prepared to step in if needed. “I can’t think of better on-the-job training than what I’ve gotten over the last 200 days,” Vance said, a comment that inadvertently gave fresh momentum to rumours about Trump’s alleged frailty.
While online speculation spreads rapidly, the White House is keen to reassure the public that the president remains fit to serve.
