A spokesperson for Donald Trump has been forced to address rumors that the president had died or was receiving treatment in hospital.
Questions about Trump’s wellbeing have continued to circulate during his second term, with some people closely scrutinizing his speech, movement, demeanor, appearance, and age.
Earlier waves of speculation flared in late 2024 and into 2025, after observers pointed to blotches or bruising they said they could see on his hands.
Another moment that fueled online chatter came on August 27 2025, when US Vice President JD Vance said he was ready to be president. Because the vice president would assume the role if a president died in office, the remark quickly prompted rumors claiming Trump was either dead or seriously ill.
More recently, the White House has pushed back on a fresh round of claims about Trump’s health.
In a post on X, Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung responded directly.
“There has never been a President who has worked harder for the American people than President Trump.
“On this Easter weekend, he has been working nonstop in the White House and Oval Office. God Bless him.”
The newest rumor suggested Trump was receiving care at the Walter Reed National Medical Center.
On Saturday at around 11.08 in the morning, the White House said Trump would not appear in public for the remainder of the day. That drew attention because he often spends weekends at Mar-a-Lago, where he typically plays golf.
Trump has previously been treated at Walter Reed National Medical Center, most recently in October 2025 for an MRI scan.
While speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One at the time, he confirmed the scan had taken place.
“I did. I got an MRI. It was perfect.”
Before this latest episode, renewed discussion about Trump’s health also followed a public appearance where some believed they saw irritation on his neck.
The issue was noticed during a Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House on March 2.
Those commenting online pointed to what looked like scabbing and a pronounced red patch extending from the back of his hairline to behind his ear.
White House physician Dr Sean Barbabella addressed it in a statement.
“President Trump is using a very common cream on the right side of his neck, which is a preventative skin treatment, prescribed by the White House Doctor.”
Dr Barbabella also outlined what to expect while the treatment continues.
“The president is using this treatment for one week, and the redness is expected to last for a few weeks.”