Why ‘Trump is dead’ is trending on social media? The internet theory and its Simpsons connection

US President Donald Trump

Over the last few days, US President Donald Trump is trending on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). However, the trend this time has not been initiated by his unusual moves or announcements, especially pertaining to tariffs that have been a key concern globally.

Posts with the phrase “Trump is dead” have taken over the platform, leaving many pondering over the President’s health and well-being.

Questions about Donald Trump’s health -- first sparked in July when he appeared with a bruise on his hand and ankle swelling -- have yet again come to the fore amid the ongoing trend on social media.

Moreover, Vice President’s recent remarks in an interaction has also fuelled speculations over Trump’s health. In an interview with USA Today, Vance said he is prepared to take over as the President of United States in the event of a “terrible tragedy”.

“He’s the last person making phone calls at night, and he’s the first person who wakes up and the first person making phone calls in the morning. 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," he said during the interaction.

“And if, God forbid, there’s a terrible tragedy, I can’t think of better on-the-job training than what I’ve gotten over the last 200 days," Vance added.

The Simpsons factor

Adding fuel to the online frenzy are clips from The Simpsons that have resurfaced, with users claiming the show predicted Trump’s death in August 2025. One viral video shows a Trump-like character collapsing from chest pain during a live White House address, with the narration calling it among the show’s “most disturbing predictions” and alleging the episode was later pulled from streaming sites.

Over the years, The Simpsons has built a reputation for uncanny Trump predictions -- ranging from his 2000 presidential victory to a re-election plotline in 2015.

Speculation grew further when creator of the show, Matt Groening made remarks at San Diego Comic-Con that fans saw as a nod to the theories. He said, “No, there’s no end in sight. We’re going to keep going. We are going to go until somebody dies. When you-know-who dies, The Simpsons predicts that there will be dancing in the streets. Except President (J.D.) Vance will ban dancing."

The White House in July announced that Trump is suffering from chronic vein condition (CVC), days after chatter over photographs showing bruising on the US President’s hands. This happens when veins in the legs have trouble sending blood back to the heart, which can lead to swelling and discomfort.

What’s more is that Trump’s schedule shows no key public events over the weekend, which has sparked further speculations.

What social media users are saying?

On social media, users are actively circulating their own theories and observations about the president’s disappearance from public view.

“President Trump hasn’t been seen in public since Tuesday and has no events scheduled all weekend. There are rumours saying he’s dead. I think he just has a big golf tournament to play," a user wrote.

👀🇺🇸 President Trump hasn’t been seen in public since Tuesday and has no events scheduled all weekend.
There are rumors saying he's dead.

I think he just has a big golf tournament to play.😁 pic.twitter.com/VXV7zk9XPN

— Molo44 🇮🇹🇺🇦 (@MoloWarMonitor) August 30, 2025

Another stated, “I’m not saying Trump is dead. I’m just saying he hasn’t been seen in 3 days, has no public appearances scheduled for the next 3 days, has had swollen ankles, trouble walking, bruises on his hand with vein issues, and his VP said yesterday he’s ready to step in."

I'm not saying Trump is dead. I'm just saying he hasnt been seen in 3 days, has no public appearances scheduled for the next 3 days, has had swollen ankles, trouble walking, bruises on his hand with vein issues, and his VP said yesterday he's ready to step in. pic.twitter.com/u2oGXyYbRT

— TechFocus 💹🧲 (@TechFocused) August 30, 2025

So far, neither the White House nor Trump’s team has issued any statement in this regard.