President Donald Trump addressed widespread online speculation about his health Sunday evening with a direct message on Truth Social. The 79-year-old posted “NEVER FELT BETTER IN MY LIFE” following days of rumors about his wellbeing.
The speculation began after Trump had not appeared publicly for several consecutive days. His schedule showed no events over the Labor Day weekend, which fueled online discussion.
Social media users noticed Trump’s absence from public view since his Cabinet meeting on Wednesday. The hashtags “WhereIsTrump” and “TrumpIsDead” began trending on various platforms.
Photos from earlier appearances showed visible bruising on Trump’s right hand. Some images also revealed swelling around his ankles, raising questions about his health status.
Trump’s physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, previously explained the bruising as minor tissue damage from frequent handshakes. The doctor also noted Trump takes aspirin as part of heart health prevention.
The White House disclosed in July that Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency. This condition affects blood flow in the legs and is common in people over 70.
Vice President JD Vance recently told USA Today that Trump is in “incredibly good health”. Vance also said he feels ready to assume the presidency if a “terrible tragedy” occurred.
On Saturday, photographers captured Trump leaving for his Virginia golf course with his grandchildren. However, some social media users questioned whether the photos showed Trump or a body double.
One Reddit post claimed the person in the photos “doesn’t look like Trump”. Other users suggested his grandchildren were present to make height comparisons difficult.
Trump’s Truth Social statement came as a response to commentator Rogan O’Handley’s post about former President Biden’s health. Trump also declared Washington D.C. a “crime free zone” in the same message.
Forbes reported that Trump has spent about one third of his current term at properties he owns. During his previous presidency, he spent 378 days at golf courses.
The White House has not issued official statements about Trump’s health during the recent speculation period. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt previously said all medical tests showed normal results.
Trump became the oldest president in history when sworn in at age 78 years and seven months. His diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency involves difficulty moving blood from legs back to the heart.
Medical experts describe the condition as benign and manageable. Treatment typically includes compression therapy and lifestyle changes.
The president’s recent absence from public events was unusual given his typically active schedule. Trump made 26 public appearances in August before the quiet period.
Online conspiracy theories about body doubles have previously targeted other world leaders including Vladimir Putin. These theories often focus on perceived differences in appearance or behavior.
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Trump’s return to public view on Saturday appeared to calm some of the speculation. His golf outing with family members was his first photographed appearance in several days.
The president’s social media activity continued throughout the weekend despite his physical absence from events. He posted multiple messages about various topics including crime statistics.
