Trump Responds to 'Death Hoax' Rumors and Hand Photo Goes Viral

US President Donald Trump has publicly addressed the widespread social media rumors claiming his "death," which have been circulated by over a million users in the past two days. These rumors arose amid speculation about his temporary absence from the public eye, despite his recent appearance heading to his favorite sport, golf.

During a press briefing at the White House on Tuesday evening, a journalist asked Trump about his reaction to the hoax. Trump dismissed it as "crazy," adding, "I had a very busy week, I was gone for two days and the rumors started." He expressed his astonishment at the situation, contrasting it with President Joe Biden's past absences. "Biden would disappear for months and nothing would happen," Trump noted. He further explained that he was busy during the Labor Day holiday weekend with media interviews and visiting his private golf club in Virginia, emphasizing that he "was full of activity all weekend." His running mate, J.D. Vance, was seen standing behind him, smirking at the rumors.

Despite Trump's comments, the speculation did not subside. Some users on the "X" platform (formerly Twitter) re-shared a photo of the president's hand with a visible blue bruise, reigniting questions about his health. Previously, on July 17, White House spokesperson Carolyn Leavitt had stated that Trump was suffering from swelling in his lower legs and bruising on his right hand after photos showed swelling in his ankles and the use of makeup to cover part of his hand. Trump’s physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, confirmed in a letter released by the White House that tests showed the leg issue was due to "chronic venous insufficiency," a benign and common condition, especially among individuals over the age of 70.