Overview

• “Trump Is Dead” surged on X early Saturday with tens of thousands of posts questioning the president’s status.
• The White House physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, said bruising seen in recent photos is consistent with minor irritation and aspirin use and described the condition as benign.
• Vice President J.D. Vance told USA Today he is prepared for a “terrible tragedy” scenario but said Trump remains in “incredible shape” and keeps a demanding schedule.
• X’s AI assistant Grok labeled the death chatter as rumors and explained that screenshots of a White House page reading “live shortly” reflect routine site behavior after briefings.
• Speculation drew on images of a bruised right hand and the earlier CVI diagnosis, then spread through memes, Simpsons references, and an unverified streamer claim of a reassuring text from Barron Trump.