ALBAWABA - X (formerly known as Twitter) has been flooded with rumors claiming that US President Donald Trump is reportedly dead after being missing from the public eye for three days.
Tags like "Trump is dead" and "Where is Trump" overran the social media platform as US netizens speculated on the authenticity of the claims. This comes after a recent USA Today interview with JD Vance, whose words were misinterpreted, triggering the rumors.
Additionally, months before and more recently, the 79-year-old was captured by cameras with a large bruise on his hand, which was sometimes covered in makeup, sparking debate and speculation.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told NBC, "President Trump has bruises on his hand because he’s constantly working and shaking hands all day, every day."
She added, "I know that many in the media have been speculating about bruising on the president's hand and also swelling in the president's legs ... All results [of a recent physical exam] were within normal limits."
Is Donald Trump dead? Rumors flood social media
One month ago, the US President was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), which is a common condition that occurs when veins in the arms and legs get damaged, causing possible damage and inflammation to the tissue. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the condition can be treated with lifestyle changes and compression therapy, but doctors could recommend surgery.
Rumors about Trump's death sparked a range of reactions on social media, from concern to criticism over the quick spread of misinformation. By the time of reporting, there isn't an official statement from the White House or President Trump to address the rumors.
However, his sudden absence has raised concern among social media users, who are accustomed to his daily statements on platforms like X and Truth Social and public appearances.
A social media user wrote on X, "Haven’t seen a single community note on any “Trump is dead” post."
Another added, "stop saying donald trump is dead. getting me excited for nothing," raising speculation about the rumors in question.
