Post by : Rameen Ariff

Photo : Reuters

The world of social media was abuzz on Saturday as the phrase “Trump is dead” took the platform X (formerly Twitter) by storm. At the time of writing, the hashtag had been used in over 56,900 posts, sparking widespread discussion and concern about the health of Donald Trump, the 79-year-old President of the United States.

While this trend has caused panic for some users, it is important to note that these claims are unverified rumours. The White House has remained tight-lipped about these online discussions, while insisting that President Trump remains in good health.

Why the Rumors Started

Speculation about President Trump’s health has been circulating for several months. In July 2025, images of the President showing a bruise on his hand and swelling in his ankles were widely shared online. Although the White House initially dismissed the concerns, similar photos appearing in recent days have reignited discussions on social media.

The conversation gained further attention after US Vice President JD Vance gave an interview to USA Today on August 27. In the interview, Vance stated he was prepared to step in if there were a “terrible tragedy,” but emphasised that President Trump was in “incredibly good health” and remained active and energetic. Vance said, “I’ve gotten a lot of good on-the-job training over the last 200 days. And if, God forbid, there’s a terrible tragedy, I can’t think of better on-the-job training than what I’ve gotten.”

Despite these reassurances, the social media trend “Trump is dead” continued to gain traction, reflecting the power of online speculation in shaping public perception.

Trump’s Health at 79

Donald Trump, who assumed office as the oldest US President in history, has had his health closely watched by both supporters and critics. At 79, his age naturally raises questions about stamina and wellness, especially given the physically demanding role of the presidency.

The bruises on his hand and swelling in his ankles have been explained by White House officials as benign conditions. Trump’s physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, stated that the bruising was “consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen.” Dr. Barbabella added that tests showed no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease, describing the President’s health as normal for his age.

Previously, photographs in February 2025 from a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron showed similar bruising, and images from July 2025 during talks in Scotland with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen showed his hand partially covered with make-up, fuelling more speculation online.

In July, the White House had also acknowledged that Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a vein condition common in people over 70. Officials stressed that it posed no serious threat to his overall health.

White House Response

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt downplayed the rumors during a press briefing. She said, “President Trump is a man of the people, and he meets more Americans and shakes their hands on a daily basis than any other President in history. His commitment is unwavering, and he proves that every single day.”

The administration has consistently maintained that while minor bruises and swelling may appear, President Trump is fit, energetic, and actively performing his duties. He even posted on Truth Social recently at 3:40 am, responding to a US Appeals Court ruling regarding tariffs, showing his continued engagement in governmental matters.

The Role of Social Media

The “Trump is dead” trend highlights how social media can amplify rumors, regardless of their accuracy. In today’s digital age, images, videos, and posts spread quickly, often triggering speculation before facts are confirmed. While some users may share content as a joke or meme, others take it seriously, creating confusion and concern among the public.

Social media trends like these also demonstrate the public’s interest in presidential health, especially for leaders of advanced age. It shows how quickly misinformation can spread if not clarified promptly by officials.

Importance of Verified Information

While online trends can be eye-catching and viral, it is crucial to rely on verified information from credible sources. The White House and Trump’s personal physician have confirmed that the President is in good health, and there is no evidence to support the extreme claims circulating online.

Experts recommend that the public approach such trends with caution. They suggest looking for official statements, medical reports, and news from trusted media before drawing conclusions.

The trending topic “Trump is dead” serves as a reminder of the power of social media and the speed at which rumors can spread. Despite widespread speculation, official statements from the White House and Trump’s physician confirm that President Trump remains in good health.

At 79, he continues to serve as the oldest US President in office, demonstrating energy and commitment. While bruises, swelling, and age-related conditions may naturally draw attention, the facts show no serious health concerns.

As the world watches the President closely, this incident also emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and responsible social media use. Rumors can easily create panic and misinformation, and it is up to readers to distinguish between verified facts and unconfirmed claims.

The social media storm around President Trump’s health may continue, but for now, all official sources confirm that he is alive, active, and continuing his duties as the President of the United States.