US2 min(s) read
Published 14:33 06 Apr 2026 GMT
White House forced to issue statement amid 'Trump is dead' rumors
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The White House stepped in to shut down rumors that Donald Trump was receiving medical treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center after speculation about his health spread widely online on Saturday.
Trump’s health has been under close watch throughout his second term, with many Americans pointing to his public missteps, perceived physical struggles, and past medical disclosures.
The latest rumors gained traction after the White House announced at 11:08am that the president would not appear in public for the rest of the day, an unusual move for Trump, who typically spends weekends at Mar-a-Lago playing golf.
Trump's health update
His spokesman, Steven Cheung, addressed the speculation on X, writing: “There has never been a President who has worked harder for the American people than President Trump. On this Easter weekend, he has been working nonstop in the White House and Oval Office. God Bless him.”
Trump’s most recent visit to the facility was in October, when he said he underwent an MRI scan. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he remarked: “I did. I got an MRI. It was perfect.” He also added, “The doctor said [it] was some of the best reports, for the age, they've ever seen,” but declined to explain the reason for the scan, instead telling journalists to “ask the doctors.”
According to his physician, Sean Barbabella, the appointment was routine. He described it as a “scheduled follow-up evaluation as part of his ongoing health maintenance plan and included advanced imaging, laboratory testing, and preventative health assessments,” adding that the president “continues to demonstrate excellent overall health.”
Previous speculation around Trump's ill-health
Health details disclosed earlier in 2025 revealed that Trump had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the condition was identified after swelling in his legs was observed. The issue occurs when veins struggle to return blood to the heart, leading to pooling in the lower limbs. Dr Barbabella described it as “benign and common” among older individuals.
Recent images showing bruising and cosmetic patches on Trump’s hand also drew attention, though the White House said this was simply due to frequent handshaking and unrelated to the vein condition.
Later in the weekend, Trump turned his attention to foreign policy, issuing strongly worded and at times expletive-filled warnings that he could escalate strikes on Iran and its infrastructure if it failed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by his stated deadline.