U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed social media rumors about his health, calling them “fake news” during a press conference at the White House, AFP reported.

Last week, the 79-year-old Republican—the oldest person ever elected U.S. president—did not appear publicly or hold any media events, fueling speculation among the press and the public. Photos showing swollen ankles and a bruised hand further intensified the rumors, with some users even suggesting that the 47th president might have passed away and that the White House was covering it up.

“I haven’t seen that,” Trump responded jokingly to a reporter’s question about the rumors, adding, “That’s fake news.”

In July, the White House explained that the discoloration of the president’s right hand was “tissue irritation from frequent handshakes” and the use of aspirin as part of standard cardiovascular treatment. The swollen feet were attributed to chronic venous insufficiency—a common and generally harmless vein condition that disrupts normal blood flow. Presidential physician Sean Barbabella assured that Trump “remains in excellent health” despite these conditions.

The Republican often demonstrates his energy and good health, with the administration even releasing an image portraying him as Superman. The health of U.S. presidents has always been closely monitored, but given the age of Trump and his predecessor Joe Biden, who left office at 82, attention to their condition is even greater.

Trump has claimed that Democrats are covering up Biden’s mental and physical state. Biden’s health had been a key issue in the 2024 election, as the then-president was forced to withdraw from his second-term campaign following a weak performance in debates against Trump. | BGNES