Photos: Donald Trump seen in public amid viral death rumors
Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 30. Credit : ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty
Former U.S. President Donald Trump made a public appearance on Saturday, August 30, following widespread online speculation claiming he had died.
Trump, 79, was photographed on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., where he joined his grandchildren Kai Trump, 18, and Spencer Trump, 12, before departing in a motorcade for a family golf outing. He was later spotted at the Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia, wearing a white polo shirt, black pants, and his signature red “Make America Great Again” hat.
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The sighting came just a day after hashtags such as “Trump Is Dead” and “Where Is Trump?” trended on X (formerly Twitter). The rumors gained traction following comments from Vice President J.D. Vance during an interview with USA Today, in which he addressed questions about Trump’s health and succession plans.
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty
“Yes, terrible tragedies happen. But I feel very confident the President of the United States is in good shape, is going to serve out the remainder of his term and do great things for the American people,” Vance said. He added that, if needed, his experience over the past 200 days had prepared him for leadership responsibilities.
Concerns about Trump’s health have circulated in recent weeks. Photographs earlier this month showed bruising on his hand, prompting speculation. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later explained that the marks were the result of Trump “shaking hands all day, every day.”
In July, White House physician Dr. Sean Barbarella also issued a statement clarifying the situation. He said the bruising was consistent with minor soft tissue irritation, further noting that Trump takes aspirin as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention routine. Around the same time, Trump was also diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that can cause swelling in the legs. According to Barbarella, the condition is common in people over 70 and does not interfere with Trump’s overall well-being.
Despite the health chatter, Trump’s doctors maintain he “remains in excellent health.” His latest public appearance has put to rest, at least for now, the rumors about his death.
