The rumors started on August 29 after a lack of information about his schedule and the circulation of an old photo showing a bruise on his arm, which gained millions of views on social media.
At a press conference on September 2, Trump responded to a question about the rumors of his death, saying he had been informed of the health speculation but did not realize it had escalated to death rumors.
"I had no schedule for two days, and they said, 'He must have something wrong,'" Trump said. He emphasized, "I was very busy" over the weekend and the Labor Day holiday.
"I visited some friends at a club near the Potomac River. I had a lot of activities," he continued, comparing himself to former President Joe Biden. "If Biden disappeared for months, no one would say he has any health issues, even though we all know he doesn't have great health."
Trump criticized the media for spreading "fake news," contributing to the loss of its credibility. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explained in July that the bruise on Trump's arm was due to frequent handshakes and aspirin use. His swollen legs were attributed to chronic venous insufficiency, a common and non-serious condition in people over 70.
Trump's personal doctors have stated he is in good health. A medical report from April showed no heart disease or major issues, noting he is 6'3", weighs 224 pounds, has a resting heart rate of 62 bpm, blood pressure of 128/74 mmHg, and an oxygen saturation of 99% in room air, with a body temperature of around 37°C.