Overview

• In a USA Today interview this week, Vice President J.D. Vance said Trump is in "incredibly good health" and that he is prepared to assume the presidency only in the event of a "terrible tragedy."
• Hashtags such as #whereistrump and #trumpdead trended on X after several days of limited public sightings, though outlets report no substantiating evidence for claims that the president has died.
• A July memo from White House physician Dr. Sean Barbabella diagnosed chronic venous insufficiency and reported no evidence of deep vein thrombosis, arterial disease, heart failure, renal impairment, or systemic illness.
• The White House attributed bruising on Trump’s hand to minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshakes and routine aspirin use, noting the condition is common and benign in older adults.
• The White House did not issue a new statement addressing the death rumors, and Trump posted on Truth Social Friday night about tariffs, indicating he remained active online.