"Trump Is Dead" began trending on X on Saturday morning with more than 56,900 posts, sparking widespread speculation about the US President's health. Rumours have been swirling on social media ever since pictures of Trump's bruised right hand surfaced online. However, the White House was quick to dismiss any concerns regarding the President's health.
The trend resurfaced again after US Vice President JD Vance was recently asked in an interview with USA Today if he was prepared to step into the role of commander in chief should a "terrible tragedy" occur. While emphasising that the 79-year-old president was fit and energetic, Vance acknowledged that unforeseen events could never be ruled out.
Speaking to USA Today, he said he was prepared to lead if circumstances required. "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," he said.
Vance, however, insisted Trump remains in "incredible shape" and continues to work with energy late at night and early in the morning. At 79, Trump is the oldest president to assume office, while Vance, at 41, is the third-youngest vice president in US history.
Rumours of Trump's death have been circulating on social media, with several posts claiming the US President had not made any public appearances recently. However, Trump himself had posted on Truth Social at 3:40 am IST today.
The sudden surge of speculation came just days after photographs showed Trump's right hand appearing bruised and partially covered with makeup during an Oval Office meeting. Earlier this week, images of the president alongside South Korean President Lee Jae Myung also showed bruising on the back of his right hand.
Earlier in July, the White House had acknowledged concerns after pictures revealed swelling in his lower legs. Officials confirmed that medical tests had diagnosed him with chronic venous insufficiency, a vein condition common in people over the age of 70.
At a July press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt downplayed speculation. "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," she said.
The administration also released a note from Trump's physician, Dr Sean Barbabella. He wrote 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". Barbabella added that checks showed "no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease" and described the president's condition as "benign and common".
Trump's hand has previously drawn attention. In February, a similar bruise was seen during his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. In July, photographs from talks in Scotland with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen showed makeup on the same hand, fuelling further conjecture.
Despite the official explanations, speculation about the president's health continues to spread online, with "Trump Is Dead" now becoming the latest trend to fuel debate.