Is Viral Rumour About Donald Trump's Purported Death True? Fact Emerges
US

Is Viral Rumour About Donald Trump's Purported Death True? Fact Emerges

  • President Donald Trump spoke out for the first time Tuesday, September 2, on the viral rumours that he may have died
  • Trump, in a video, claimed he did not hear the speculation and had a busy holiday weekend
  • Prior to a sighting on Saturday, August 30, Trump had not been seen since his cabinet meeting last Tuesday, August 26, sparking death rumours

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering gloabl affairs.

Washington, USA - President Donald Trump of the United States (US) has reacted to viral rumours about him being allegedly dead.

As reported by People, during a press conference on Tuesday, September 2, Trump was asked by a reporter whether he was aware that many social media users thought he died last week.

Trump dismisses health rumours as 'fake news'/Donald Trump news
Donald Trump says he is alive. Photo credit: Donald J. Trump
Source: Facebook

The 79-year-old replied:

"No. "Really? I didn't see that."

Trump added:

"That's pretty serious stuff. I knew they were saying, like, 'Is he okay? How's he feeling?' ... I had heard that, but I didn't hear that to that extent."

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Forbes also noted the fabrication about Trump.

Furthermore, Trump blamed the conspiracy theory on "fake news" and blamed the media for spreading it, although the theory arose organically from social media users and was never treated as fact by major news outlets.

Trump's rebuttal can be watched below:

There was widespread speculation that something was seriously wrong with Donald Trump's health after silence from the Oval Office recently/Donald Trump latest news/Donald Trump not dead
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, September 2, dismisses social media rumours that have swirled about his health, including that he had died. Photo credit: Chip Somodevilla
Source: Getty Images

Unfounded theories about Trump

Trump, an American politician and businessman, is the 47th president of the United States. Combined with his age, he is the oldest person ever to be elected US president.

The unfounded theories that Trump had died were fuelled by his week-long break from public engagements and recent images of his bruised hands and swollen ankles.

Some posts speculating about his health were rewarded with more than a million views.

Illinois Governor Jay Robert "JB" Pritzker even responded to a critical post from Trump by saying:

"Why don't you send everyone proof of life first?" His post was retweeted more than 6,000 times.

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Trump used his own platform, Truth Social, to insist he had "NEVER FELT BETTER IN MY LIFE" on Sunday evening, August 31.

In July, the White House said Trump had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition where weakened veins in a person's legs are unable to effectively pump blood back to the heart.

The condition is not considered a serious health threat, but can cause pain, swelling, skin changes and varicose veins.

Read more on Donald Trump:

Tinubu not fearful of Trump

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that President Bola Tinubu said he will remain focused on Nigeria’s progress despite external pressures, including actions from President Trump.

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Tinubu declared that he has stabilised the Nigerian economy, promising continued efforts to create jobs through export, import, and industrial growth.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Ridwan Adeola avatar

Ridwan Adeola (Current Affairs Editor) Ridwan Adeola Yusuf is a content creator with more than nine years of experience, He is also a Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng. He holds a Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication from the Polytechnic Ibadan, Oyo State (2014). Ridwan previously worked at Africa Check, contributing to fact-checking research works within the organisation. He is an active member of the Academic Excellence Initiative (AEI). In March 2024, Ridwan completed the full Google News Initiative Lab workshop and his effort was recognised with a Certificate of Completion. Email: ridwan.adeola@corp.legit.ng.