The 79-year-old president, wearing his trademark red MAGA hat, brushed off rumors as he and his grandchildren headed to their golf club in Virginia.
Donald Trump, who is frequently a powerful, constant presence on the national stage, was absent for a number of days, which sparked strange internet claims that he had passed away.
The 79-year-old president was then first seen on August 30, 2025, at 8:45 a.m. Wearing his trademark red “Make America Great Again” hat, smart black slacks, and a white polo shirt, he reappeared in the public eye.
He was accompanied by his grandson, Spencer Frederick Trump, and his teenage granddaughter, Kai Trump. The three of them were led into a waiting car that was taking them to Sterling, Virginia, where his favorite golf club was located.
When the White House published a blank Labor Day weekend calendar earlier this week that included no public activities, speculation about Trump’s health started to circulate.
Some internet users speculated about the president’s health and whether he was still alive after he was last seen on Tuesday during a cabinet meeting.
One internet user wrote, “Our last president wasn’t seen often for days at a time [sic] why jump to conclusions after a few days?” once Trump returned to the public eye.
Some were less understanding; one teasingly said, “It’s his clone lol.” An additional accusation was made that “Dude, that clearly isn’t even him!” The president’s renownedly branded wardrobe was ridiculed by another internet user, who wrote, “Does he own clothes that DON’T have his name in them??”
Trump’s choice to wear his name across his clothes was questioned by other internet users, who joked that it was there in case he forgot who he was. His appearance was criticized by other observers, who said he appeared ill and even likened him to a character from “Weekend at Bernie’s.”
Additionally, observers noted that the president appeared to have lost interest in keeping his renowned hairstyle, which some interpreted as an indication of aging or poor health. Some, however, completely disregarded the craze, citing the president’s continued golf outings as evidence that he was doing well.
Vice President JD Vance addressed his own readiness to lead if necessary while publicly defending Trump’s health amid the online rumors. In an August 27 interview with USA TODAY, Vance defended his troubled commander-in-chief while addressing the nagging question: what if disaster strikes?
“The president’s health is excellent. Vance noted that Trump frequently outworked staffers who were decades younger, saying, “He’s got incredible energy.”
“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,” he said.
Vance acknowledged the harsh realities of age and risk, even if he was confident that Trump was still fit to serve. The Ohio senator-turned-vice president addressed the impending “what ifs” that detractors have been speculating about in a startlingly honest admission.
“Yes, horrible disasters do occur. However, I have every confidence that the president of the United States is doing well, will serve out the rest of his term, and will accomplish wonderful things for the American people,” he said with assurance.
Vance also shared how he saw himself as a potential disaster. Just 200 days into his historic position, the 40-year-old vice president presented a somber image of responsibility. “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,” he said.
The issue of Trump’s health has come up for discussion before. After pictures from a recent press appearance seemed to show makeup on his hand, he lately attracted further attention. His health has been under more public scrutiny and conjecture as a result of the occurrence.
During an Oval Office briefing, Trump’s right hand was conspicuously covered with a patch of lighter-toned foundation. When he stood to welcome FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who had just arrived from Italy, the makeup was still obvious despite his efforts to hide it by folding his left hand over his right.
Questions swiftly arose when pictures from the incident went viral online. The apparent usage of cosmetics caught the attention of some netizens. “Looks like makeup,” someone commented. “It’s base makeup,” another person added. Over a bruise, probably. What’s the point?
Some expressed more disapproval of the application itself. “The massive glob of discolored foundation on President Donald Trump’s hand today really has me questioning whether they are even trying to blend correctly,” a comment read.
Soon, speculation shifted to potential health issues. Could someone please explain Donald Trump’s hand patch? “Looks strange,” a netizen inquired. A different observer commented, “Notice how he covers his right hand with his left to hide the bruising.”
More acerbic responses reflected concern over Trump’s physical state.”This man is struggling. “Bruised hands,” one critic wrote. Others wondered if there was more going on.
One person inquired, “What happened to Donald Trump’s hand?” “Is there a problem with his left hand?” another asked. Fingers appear bloated and are all the same length.
Trump’s hands have already caught the public’s attention. Similar concerns regarding his health were raised when he was observed in July with obvious swelling in his legs and what seemed to be bruises on his hand.
Karoline Leavitt, the White House Press Secretary at the time, addressed the concerns in a briefing, referring to a White House Medical Unit medical review.
Trump’s doctor, Capt. Sean Barbabella, said that the 79-year-old Trump had a “comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies.” Chronic venous insufficiency was identified by the evaluation; the letter characterized this disease as “benign and common, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.”
According to reports, Trump had “mild swelling in his lower legs” for a number of weeks before the tests were requested. Leavitt reported, “Importantly, there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or arterial disease,” citing the doctor’s findings. Additionally, the lab findings were “within normal limits.”
Trump also had vascular investigations and an echocardiography, which Barbabella reported revealed no evidence of systemic disease, renal impairment, or heart failure. The most recent pictures have rekindled public debate about Trump’s physical attributes and health in spite of these promises.
Trump made an odd appearance on the White House roof, as we previously reported. He allegedly crossed it on August 5, 2025, wearing a crimson tie, white shirt, and dark suit, with security personnel trailing closely after.
Social media users responded quickly to the unexpected scene. “Maybe he got lost?” was suggested by one commentator. Others contributed amusing observations. “Looks like the nurses took their eyes off him for a minute,” one spectator wrote.
Another responded with, “Lol he likes to feel on top of the World so bad he has to climb on top of the Whitehouse to feel powerful and important lol [sic].” Another voice went on, “Giving some comic relief.”
Netizens’ responses continued to come in. “Not his house!” said another. “He’s acting like he owns the place,” another spectator continued. Not his [sic], but ‘the People’s house’!” “I can’t believe the secret service [sic] let him up there 🤡🤣🎯🎯🎯,” another viewer commented.
Some provided a more optimistic viewpoint amid the jokes. Someone said, “A presidential makeover? I am eager to see the new appearance! 🤩. “Honestly, it’s great to see a hands-on president,” said another. Like our nation, the White House could use some modernization. Let’s finish it.
Reporters on the ground yelled at Trump while he remained on the roof. One yelled, “Mr. President, what are you doing up there?” according to ABC News. The response from Trump was, “Just taking a little walk.”
“It goes with the ballroom, which is on the other side,” he said in response to the question, “What are you building?””Something lovely,” he said, making hand gestures.