US President Donald Trump on Tuesday refuted social media speculation about his health, calling it “fake news” during a White House press conference.
Last week, Trump, known for his media presence, had no scheduled public appearances or press conferences for several days, an unusual absence for the 79-year-old.
Given his age—making him the oldest person ever elected US president—and recent photos showing a bruised hand and swollen ankles, the lack of activity from the Oval Office fueled widespread rumors of a serious health issue. Some social media users even speculated that the 47th US president might have died, with claims that the White House was concealing the truth.
“I didn’t see that,” Trump responded lightheartedly when Fox News reporter Peter Doocy asked, “How did you find out over the weekend that you were dead?” He added, “That’s fake news,” as Doocy referenced the circulating rumors.
In July, the White House clarified that the discoloration on Trump’s right hand resulted from “tissue irritation from frequent handshaking” and aspirin use as part of routine cardiovascular treatment. It attributed his swollen legs to chronic venous insufficiency, a common and benign condition caused by impaired blood flow in leg veins. Presidential physician Sean Barbabella, in a letter released at the time, affirmed that Trump “remains in excellent health” despite the condition.
Trump often highlights his robust health and energy, with his administration even sharing an image portraying him as Superman. The health of US presidents has always been under scrutiny, but with the White House occupied by its two oldest leaders since 2017, the attention has intensified. Trump has repeatedly claimed that Democrats hid the physical and mental decline of his predecessor, Joe Biden, who was 82 when he left office in January. Biden’s health became a pivotal issue in the 2024 election, ultimately leading him to abandon his re-election bid after a poor debate performance against Trump.
What You Should Know
On September 2, 2025, President Donald Trump dismissed social media rumors about his health as “fake news” during a White House press conference, addressing speculation sparked by his week-long absence from public appearances.
At 79, the oldest elected US president, Trump faced rumors of serious health issues, including death, fueled by images of his bruised hand and swollen ankles. The White House attributed these to tissue irritation from handshaking, aspirin use, and chronic venous insufficiency, a benign condition, with his physician affirming his excellent health.
The intense scrutiny reflects heightened focus on the health of recent presidents, with Trump alleging Democrats concealed Joe Biden’s decline, a key factor in Biden’s 2024 campaign exit.
