In response to a wave of online speculation regarding President Donald J. Trump’s health, the White House today issued a firm statement dismissing the rumors as “baseless” and “fake news.” The speculation, which gained traction over the Labor Day weekend, was fueled by the President’s brief absence from public events and viral images showing bruising on his hand and swelling around his ankles.
President Trump, 79, addressed the rumors directly during a press conference held in the Oval Office on Tuesday. “I was very active over the weekend,” he said, referencing media interviews and multiple visits to his Virginia golf club. When asked about the trending hashtag #TrumpDead, the President responded with characteristic bluntness: “That’s fake news. I didn’t do anything for two days and they say, ‘there must be something wrong with him.’”
The White House clarified that the discoloration on the President’s hand was due to frequent handshaking and aspirin use, part of a standard cardiovascular regimen. The swelling in his legs was attributed to chronic venous insufficiency—a benign and common condition among older adults. Presidential physician Dr. Sean Barbabella confirmed that President Trump “remains in excellent health,” citing recent medical evaluations that showed no significant concerns.
Despite the official statements, social media platforms continued to buzz with conspiracy theories, some even suggesting a cover-up. The administration emphasized that transparency remains a priority and pointed to the President’s consistent activity on Truth Social, where he posted, “NEVER FELT BETTER IN MY LIFE” on Sunday.