'Was very active': Trump denies health rumors, calls reports ‘fake news’ after internet buzz of 'ischemic stroke'

Trump dismisses ill health rumours

US President Donald Trump dismissed social media speculation about his health, stating the claims were 'false.' He noted that he spent the Labor Day weekend conducting media interviews and visiting his golf club in Virginia.

"I was very active over the weekend," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

In his remarks, Trump sought to put the rumours to rest. “I didn’t hear that one — that’s pretty serious. Well, it’s fake news," he said, referencing reports of his alleged death.

.@POTUS responds to the latest delusions of the Radical Left: "Last week, I did numerous news conferences... 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... nobody ever said there was ever anything wrong" 🤣 pic.twitter.com/OPQd4zKnLt

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 2, 2025

“I have heard. It’s sort of crazy, but last week, I did numerous news conferences, all successful," Trump continued. “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."

Trump also took a jab at his predecessor, former President Joe Biden, over his limited public appearances. “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,” said Trump, who turned 79 this year.

Online rumors around Trump’s health

This follows a wave of online speculation last week, sparked by Trump's unusual absence from the public eye. Many believed the US President had passed away in late August.

The rumors intensified as he remained out of sight for over two weeks, an uncommon occurrence that gave rise to various conspiracy theories. Social media further fueled the speculation, with users citing the lack of scheduled appearances and visible bruises on his hands as alleged indicators of declining health.

The speculation escalated further with a post by Adam Cochran, who wrote, “I believe there is growing evidence that the White House is covering up the fact that Donald Trump has been dealing with TIA strokes. AND that he likely had a more significant ischemic stroke this week.”

The X user, with over 233,000 followers, posted a 31-part thread outlining their theory. Identifying as an “investigative journalist,” Cochran traced Trump’s alleged health issues back to March 2024, suggesting they began with TIA, or mini-strokes. He referenced campaign trail footage showing Trump “dragging” his right leg and later highlighted images of bruises on his hand as further evidence.

Rumors re-spark ‘two-tone hands’ 

The 79-year-old president, who revealed US Space Command HQ will relocate to Huntsville, Alabama, appeared after a 45-minute delay. But it wasn’t the policy reveal that went viral. Social media users zoomed in on his right hand, claiming it was visibly darker than the other.

Trump’s hands are visibly 2 different colors today. pic.twitter.com/35emNmUYx4 — Spencer Hakimian (@SpencerHakimian) September 2, 2025

“Trump’s hands are visibly 2 different colors today,” one user posted on X, attaching a freeze-frame from the broadcast.

Another piled on, suggesting his “voice sounded weak” and the Oval Office podium “was acting as a walker to help him stand.”