United States President Donald Trump (79) has responded to rumors that spread online over the weekend that he had died or was seriously ill.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Trump, when asked by reporters if he was aware of the claims, replied: “No, really? I haven’t seen it.”
He added that he knew there were questions about his health because he had seen “the reports,” but that he was unaware of the conspiracy theories that he had died. “That’s pretty serious,” he stressed.
The rumors emerged after Trump was out of public view for several days over the weekend, with social media abuzz with claims like “Trump is dead” and “Where is Trump?” Doubts were further fueled by an interview with Vice President JD Vance, who spoke of his readiness to take over in the event of an emergency.
Trump made his first public appearance on August 30, when he was filmed leaving the White House for a golf course in Virginia, dispelling rumors of his death. However, speculation about his health continued to circulate.
Of particular note was a bruise on his hand, which had been spotted several times in recent months. The White House had previously explained that it was the result of frequent handshakes, along with the use of aspirin as part of preventive heart therapy. White House physician Sean Barbarella said in July that Trump had developed chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that he said was “benign and common in people over 70.”
Trump’s son Eric called the rumors of his father’s death “sick and twisted” attacks by political opponents, stressing that the president was “feeling better than ever.”
The White House claims that Trump, despite the diagnosis, continues to enjoy “excellent health.”
