Trump Health Rumors Spark Online Frenzy as Governor Walz’s Remarks Ignite MAGA Backlash
After he disappeared for a few days, social media was abuzz with rumors regarding former President Donald Trump’s health over the weekend. On X, “#whereistrump” and “#TRUMPDIED” trended, sparking conspiracy theories and heated online disputes. Trump posted regularly on his Truth Social account and was seen going to his golf club in northern Virginia, dismissing concerns that he was sick.
Governor Tim Walz’s Labor Day jokes obliquely referencing the health allegations intensified the debate. Walz joked at a gathering that many people woke up expecting shocking news as they scrolled through social media. His words made the crowd chuckle, but detractors accused him of crossing a boundary.
MAGA enthusiasts and Trump allies immediately criticized Walz. Minnesota Republican House Majority Whip Tom Emmer slammed the governor on X, saying a leader should not belittle a political opponent’s health. Conservative commentators also criticized Walz’s judgment and called for his investigation or removal from office. Many Trump fans criticized the remarks as disrespectful and aggressive online.
The uproar intensified when CNN political commentator Scott Jennings called Walz’s statements “disgusting” and suggested the governor had sunk too low. Several MAGA-aligned accounts interpreted Walz’s words as a direct attack on Trump.
President Trump addressed the rumors at a news briefing. He called the rumors “fake news” and pointed to his recent press appearances, interviews, and Truth Social posts. He highlighted that whereas his two-day absence from public events triggered health rumors, President Joe Biden’s absences went unnoticed. Trump said he had “never felt better” and was active throughout Labor Day.
Walz’s statements have exacerbated the political rift for Trump supporters. Despite the governor’s lighthearted joke, the timing—amid online death rumors—made them easy to criticize. It shows how even casual remarks may quickly become national controversies, especially in the tense political climate building into the 2024 election.
As everything settles, the incident shows how social media shapes political narratives. Several trending hashtags sparked nationwide suspicion, drew bipartisan comments, and forced Trump to address baseless accusations. It shows how quickly disinformation spreads online and how political personalities’ words—whether serious or humorous—can incite indignation among already split audiences.
Sources
The Hill
CNN
Fox News
