‘Trump Is Dead’ has been trending on X with 80,000+ posts since Saturday morning amid speculation over bruised hand pics. White House dismissed health fears while VP JD Vance emphasised Trump’s fitness but admitted he was prepared to lead if needed.
On Saturday morning, the phrase ‘Trump Is Dead’ began trending widely on X, drawing more than 80,000 posts within hours. The trend sparked a wave of speculation about the health of US President Donald Trump, who at 79 remains the oldest president to assume office in American history. The online frenzy came after fresh images surfaced showing visible bruising on Trump’s right hand, which appeared partially concealed by makeup during recent official meetings. Despite the rapid spread of the rumor, the White House was quick to push back. Officials dismissed the speculation, stressing that Trump remains active, fit, and fully engaged in his duties. However, the discussion reignited after Vice President JD Vance made remarks in an interview suggesting he was prepared to lead should a tragedy strike.
The ‘Trump Is Dead’ rumours and JD Vance’s leadership readiness
The ‘Trump Is Dead’ trending rumour gained further momentum after Vice President JD Vance spoke to USA Today, where he was asked whether he would be ready to step into the role of Commander-in-Chief in the event of a “terrible tragedy.” Vance, who at 41 is among the youngest vice presidents in US history, assured the interviewer that he felt adequately prepared.
“I’ve gotten a lot of good on-the-job training over the last 200 days. And if, God forbid, there’s a terrible tragedy, I can’t think of better on-the-job training than what I’ve gotten,” Vance said. While his comments were intended to underscore his readiness, they also fueled more speculation as ‘Trump Is Dead’ continued trending.
Vance was careful, however, to emphasize that Trump remains in “incredible shape.” He described the president as a leader who continues to work energetically, often late into the night and early in the morning, dismissing the notion that age has slowed him down. Still, he admitted that unforeseen events are always possible in public life.
White House responds to health speculation
Rumors about Trump’s health have circulated online for months, with recent photographs adding fuel to the fire. Images taken earlier this week during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung showed bruising on the back of Trump’s right hand. Similar concerns had arisen in February when pictures revealed discoloration during a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, and again in July when makeup was spotted covering the same hand during talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Scotland.
The White House has attempted to downplay the rumors repeatedly. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “President Trump is a man of the people and he meets more Americans and shakes their hands on a daily basis than any other President in history. His commitment is unwavering and he proves that every single day.”
To provide further reassurance, the administration also released a note from Trump’s physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella. The note explained that the bruising was consistent with “minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen.” Barbabella stressed that Trump’s condition was “benign and common” and that there was no evidence of serious issues such as deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease.