US President Donald Trump addresses health rumours | BBC News

* [AP News](https://apnews.com/article/5c889005eb7436fb3c07fe6b1e730a78?utm_source=chatgpt.com) * [People.com](https://people.com/donald-trump-responds-health-speculation-death-rumors-11801702?utm_source=chatgpt.com) * [The Daily Beast](https://www.thedailybeast.com/white-house-finds-new-way-to-cover-up-trump-bruise/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Here’s a summary of what's happening—with solid sources rather than speculation: --- ## What's Happened ### 1. **Rumors Sparked by Absence** Over the Labor Day weekend (late August–early September 2025), President Trump went several days without any visible public engagement or official events, which ignited swirling speculation online—including conspiracy theories that he had died. The “#TrumpIsDead” hashtag trended on X, reflecting growing public concern.([Indiatimes][1], [AP News][2], [People.com][3]) ### 2. **His Public Reappearance** On Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at an Oval Office event unveiling a plan to relocate the U.S. Space Command headquarters from Colorado to Alabama, Trump addressed the swirling rumors. When a Fox News reporter asked, “How did you find out you were dead?”, he responded “No,” and labeled the speculation as “fake news.”([AP News][2], [ITVX][4], [ABC][5], [People.com][3], [The Sun][6], [The Standard][7]) ### 3. **His Own Reassurances** Trump emphasized that he had remained active over the weekend—referencing interviews, posts on Truth Social, and golf outings. In a Truth Social post on Sunday, he stated boldly: “NEVER FELT BETTER IN MY LIFE.”([AP News][2], [Indiatimes][1], [ITVX][4], [ABC][5], [People.com][3], [The Sun][6]) ### 4. **Visible Physical Indicators** Observers noted bruising on Trump's right hand and swelling around his ankles. The White House attributed the bruises to frequent handshaking and aspirin use, and the ankle swelling to a diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition common among older adults.([AP News][2], [People.com][3], [ITVX][4], [ABC][5], [The Daily Beast][8], [The Times of India][9]) ### 5. **Image Management and Continued Speculation** Despite his reassurances, media scrutiny persists. Reports highlight efforts by the White House to manage visual narratives—such as strategically placing objects during photo-ops to obscure physical signs—and renewed gossip after a late arrival and hand discoloration during the event reignited speculation.([The Daily Beast][8], [The Times of India][9]) --- ### Summary Table | Aspect | Details | | ------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Trigger** | Days without public activity sparked rumors. | | **Response** | Public appearance on September 2; Trump dismissed rumors as “fake news.” | | **Physical Signs** | Bruises and swelling noted; CVI diagnosed; bruises blamed on aspirin/handshakes. | | **Messaging** | "Never felt better" post; continued social media activity. | | **Media Reaction** | Questions remain; visual signs and photo handling kept issues in the spotlight. | --- Let me know if you'd like a timeline, more detail on CVI, or media reactions from specific outlets! [1]: https://indiatimes.com/trending/donald-trump-dismisses-health-rumours-says-he-has-never-felt-better-as-trumpisdead-trends-and-vp-vance-addresses-concerns-668508.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Donald Trump dismisses health rumours, says he has 'never felt better' as #TrumpIsDead trends and VP Vance addresses concerns" [2]: https://apnews.com/article/5c889005eb7436fb3c07fe6b1e730a78?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Trump addresses health rumors after days without public events" [3]: https://people.com/donald-trump-responds-health-speculation-death-rumors-11801702?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Donald Trump Reacts to Viral Death Rumors on Live TV: 'That's Pretty Serious Stuff'" [4]: https://www.itv.com/news/2025-09-02/ive-been-very-active-actually-donald-trump-addresses-health-rumours?utm_source=chatgpt.com "'I've been very active actually': Donald Trump addresses health rumours | ITV News" [5]: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-03/donald-trump-press-conference-health-conspiracy-social-media/105727750?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Donald Trump says he was unaware of viral social media rumours about his death - ABC News" [6]: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/36546240/donald-trump-announcement-health-rumours/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "'That's pretty serious!' Trump jokes as he slaps down 'fake news' viral health rumours spreading online" [7]: https://www.standard.co.uk/news/us-politics/donald-trump-health-death-rumours-b1245681.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Donald Trump breaks silence on swirling speculation about health amid 'death' rumours on social media | The Standard" [8]: https://www.thedailybeast.com/white-house-finds-new-way-to-cover-up-trump-bruise/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "White House Finds New Way to Cover Up Trump Bruise" [9]: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/trump-dismisses-health-rumors-as-fake-news-but-two-tone-hands-and-late-arrival-re-spark-oval-office-gossip/articleshow/123664393.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Trump dismisses health rumors as 'fake news,' but 'two-tone hands' and late arrival re-spark Oval Office gossip"