'Is It Not Bizarre': Donald Trump Says 'Never Felt Better', But Social Media Scepticism Prevails

Last Updated:September 01, 2025, 15:21 IST

The White House had earlier explained the bruises on Donald Trump's hands as consequences of frequent handshakes.

Donald Trump seen going golfing with his family. (Image: AFP)

US President Donald Trump has rejected swirling rumours and claims of his death, posting on Truth Social that he has “never felt better". Yet, social media users are not buying Trump’s own statement and are questioning if something is wrong.

Trump’s statement comes amidst a flurry of speculation spurred by his brief absence from public view and a White House schedule that showed no events over the Labour Day weekend, giving rise to viral hashtags such as “Trump Is Dead" and “Where Is Trump".

By publicly declaring his vitality, Trump aimed to quash the rumors and reassert control over the narrative surrounding his health.

Social Media Isn’t Buying It

Despite Trump’s confident declaration, many social media users are unwilling to believe. On X, a flurry of reactions indicates there is still growing skepticism over Trump’s health.

“This is insane. The President of the United States is obviously lying about his activities and the lack of curiosity by the media is stunning," a user wrote on X.

Another questioned inconsistencies in his recent appearances and tone. “Is it not very bizarre to any reporter that Trump/The WH and their allies are trying to pass off a photo of Trump and Gruden as having been taken today, and not last week? Is anyone talking about this??? I feel like I’m going crazy," another social media user wrote.

A third user hinted at distrust, suggesting the statement might be a cover-up or distraction.

Why the ‘Trump Dead’ Buzz Won’t Die

Several factors have fueled and sustained this bizarre rumour cycle:

JD Vance

US Vice President JD Vance’s comment that he would step in if “tragedy struck" only added fuel to the fire, giving credibility to the speculation. Vance sought to reassure the public about President Trump’s condition, but his phrasing inadvertently fueled speculation. In an interview with USA Today around August 27, Vance said: “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 … is in good shape, is going to serve out the remainder of his term and do great things for the American people. 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 had said.

“Simpsons" Prediction

Pop culture played its part too, with references to a supposed “Simpsons prediction" about Trump’s death cropping up — amplifying conspiracy theorists’ claims and meme culture. A video clip circulating on social media alleged that The Simpsons had “predicted" Trump’s death in August 2025, showing an animated Trump-like character collapsing from a chest illness with dire narration.

However, media reports later confirmed that no official episode actually predicts Trump’s death. The viral content appears to be fan-made or an edited mash-up.

Visible Bruises

Adding to the mystery were photos showing bruising on Trump’s hands and swollen ankles — signs that immediately sparked concern online. The White House had earlier explained the bruises as consequences of frequent handshakes and aspirin use, and attributed the swelling to a non-dangerous condition known as chronic venous insufficiency.

White House Rebuffing Rumours

This isn’t the first time the White House is faced with such speculation. Just over the Labour Day weekend, Trump was seen golfing in Virginia with his grandchildren — his public visibility effectively debunking the death rumours.

Earlier this month, amid swirling death rumors, medical explanations were provided by the White House for visible bruises and swelling. While bruised hands were attributed to “minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin," part of his regular cardiovascular regimen, swollen ankles were explained as symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)—a common, non-life-threatening condition affecting vein circulation.

On April 13, too, the White House released the full results of Trump’s annual physical and cognitive evaluation conducted at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The findings declared him in “excellent health" and “fully fit" to serve as President.

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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...Read More

The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...

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September 01, 2025, 15:21 IST

News world 'Is It Not Bizarre': Donald Trump Says 'Never Felt Better', But Social Media Scepticism Prevails

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