Trump Pushes Back on Death Rumors, Calls Reports “Fake News”
The former president has dismissed reports about his health and death as “fake news” meant to denigrate him.
Trump avoided public appearances during Labor Day weekend, sparking social media discussion. Hashtags like #whereistrump and #trumpdied trended, generating rumors that the former president was sick or dead. The lack of scheduled activities fueled the web frenzy, and several observers linked it to Vice President JD Vance’s previous comments to USA Today that he would take over the president when disaster occurred.
After Fox News journalist Peter Doocy personally asked Trump about the claims on Tuesday, Trump spoke. Trump dismissed them, saying he had multiple news appearances last week and was active. “I held many successful news conferences. They went fine. After two days without doing any, people said something was amiss. Biden didn’t do it for months, and nobody questioned his health. We knew he was unhealthy, Trump remarked.
The former president also reminded reporters that he had been posting on Truth Social and had a media interview recently, so anyone following him online would know he was engaged. Trump replied to the buzz on Truth Social on Sunday: “NEVER FELT BETTER IN MY LIFE. DC IS CRIME-FREE! President DJT.”
Trump doubled down in front of the cameras on Tuesday, accusing the media of spreading lies. “Fake news. This is why the media lacks credibility. I heard, “Is he okay?” He’s feeling what? The weekend was long when I departed. Trump remarked, “Anyone who saw me knows I was very active this Labor Day.”
The rumors show how quickly online speculation can grow, especially when a key political figure is out of the spotlight. Trump denied the stories, but the online reaction showed the tremendous scrutiny on his health as he enters the 2025 campaign season.
Trump has long called media coverage “fake news” and used the current episode to throw doubt on its authenticity while promoting his energetic and in control persona. As the presidential race heats up and worries about Trump and Biden’s health persist, political discourse will undoubtedly center on fitness for office.
Sources: Fox News, Truth Social, USA Today, The Hill
