President Donald Trump responded Tuesday to speculation about his health that dominated the conversation on social media and cable news cycles over Labor Day weekend.
Why It Matters
After carrying out more than two dozen public engagements in August, the last of which was a Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, August 26, Trump’s schedule went uncharacteristically quiet.
This sparked memes and social media rumors falsely claiming that Trump had died or was suffering from major health issues, before the president posted on Truth Social Sunday that he “never felt better.”
President Donald Trump speaks during an event in the Oval Office of the White House on September 2, 2025.
President Donald Trump speaks during an event in the Oval Office of the White House on September 2, 2025.
Associated Press
What To Know
Fox News’ Peter Doocy asked the president during an event at the White House on Tuesday: “[A]bout a big viral social media trend over the weekend: How did you find out over the weekend that you were dead? Did you see that?”
Trump responded, “No.”
“People didn’t see you for a couple days. 1.3 million user engagements as of Saturday morning about your demise,” Doocy explained.
“Well, I didn’t see that,” Trump said when pressed again by Doocy. “You know, I have heard it’s sort of crazy, but last week, I did numerous news conferences, all successful. They went very well. Like this is going very well and then I didn’t do any for two days and they said there must be something wrong with him.”
“Biden wouldn’t do them for months, you wouldn’t see him, and nobody ever said there was ever anything wrong with him, and we know he wasn’t in the greatest of shape,” Trump said, referring to the former president.
Trump detailed his activities over the past few days.
“I did an interview that lasted for about an hour and a half with somebody, and everybody saw that was on one of your competitors. I did numerous shows and also did a number of Truths, long Truths, I think pretty poignant Truths,” Trump said. “No, I was very active over the weekend. They also knew I went out to visit some people at the club that I own pretty nearby on the Potomac River.”
What Did JD Vance Say About Donald Trump’s Health?
Vance said last week that President Donald Trump remains in good health as speculation continues to circulate about Trump’s fitness.
Vance told USA Today that the president has “incredible energy” and health, and added that he is confident he could succeed Trump should a “terrible tragedy” befall the president, saying that his tenure as second to the commander-in-chief has provided him with incredible “on-the-job training.”
Trump survived two assassination attempts within months of each other during the 2024 campaign.
What Health Conditions Does Donald Trump Have?
In a memorandum released last month, Physician to the President Sean Barbabella said Trump “noted mild swelling in his lower legs.” Trump was evaluated by the White House Medical Unit “in keeping with routine medical care and out of an abundance of caution.”
Barbabella said the president is suffering from chronic venous insufficiency, “a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.” Trump is 79 years old.
Barbabella said that there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease, and that all laboratory testing results were within normal limits.
“Additionally, recent photos of the President have shown minor bruising on the back of his hand,” Barbabella said.
“This is 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.”
The physician concluded that Trump “remains in excellent health.”
Trump underwent his annual physical examination in April. The conditions listed under his medical history were well-controlled hypercholesterolemia, seasonal allergies, a history of COVID-19 infection, well-managed rosacea, actinic keratosis, benign nevi, diverticulosis and a benign colon polyp. Past surgeries include bilateral cataract surgery and an appendectomy at age 11.
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump told reporters: “I’ve been very active actually, over the weekend. I didn’t hear that one. That’s pretty serious stuff.”
Vice President JD Vance told USA Today: “Yes, terrible tragedies happen. But I feel very confident the president of the United States is in good shape, is going to serve out the remainder of his term and do great things for the American people.”
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Update 9/2/25, 3:50 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
Update 9/2/25, 5:08 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
Update 9/2/25, 6:10 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information and remarks.