Overview

• The president labeled the claims "fake news" when questioned at a Sept. 2 press conference, saying he had been active over the holiday weekend.
• Posts on X, TikTok and other platforms pushed hashtags claiming he was dead, with reporters tallying more than 1.3 million shares by Saturday.
• A statement from physician Sean Barbabella attributes hand discoloration to minor soft‑tissue bruising from handshakes and aspirin use, calling the leg condition common and non‑serious.
• Several days without public events and a blank White House schedule preceded the rumors, though Trump was seen at Mar‑a‑Lago and at his Virginia golf club.
• Vice President J. D. Vance said he stands ready in case of a "schreckliche Tragödie" but affirmed Trump is fit, underscoring ongoing scrutiny of presidential health transparency.