President Donald Trump was spotted in Washington, D.C., putting to rest a wave of viral speculation about his health and even rumors of his death.
Oh.
On Saturday, August 30, the 79 year old was photographed stepping into a motorcade on the South Lawn of the White House with his grandchildren Kai Trump, 18, and Spencer Trump, 12. The family was headed out for a golf trip.
Well, shucks.
The sighting followed a chaotic day on socials, where “Trump Is Dead” and “Where Is Trump?” trended heavily on X after comments about his health made by Senator J.D. Vance sparked online chatter.
In his interview with USA Today, Vance, 41, stressed confidence in Trump’s well being. “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, “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.”
For the outing, Trump wore a red “Make America Great Again” hat with a white polo and black pants as his motorcade made its way to Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia, shortly after 9 a.m.
Health concerns around Trump had already been circulating earlier in the week after photos showed a bruise on his hand. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt attributed it to constant public interaction. She explained the mark came from Trump “shaking hands all day, every day.”
White House physician Sean Barbarella also issued a note in July, clarifying the bruising. He stated it 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.”
That same month, Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency after being photographed with visibly swollen ankles. Despite the speculation, his recent appearance with family is being viewed as a direct counter to the online rumors surrounding his health.