Wearing his recognizable red MAGA hat, the 79-year-old president countered online rumors as he departed for his Virginia golf course with his grandchildren.
For multiple days, Donald Trump—typically a dominant and highly visible figure in the public sphere—was absent from view, sparking strange internet speculation about his possible death.
Then, at 8:45 a.m. on August 30, 2025, the 79-year-old president was seen for the first time. He returned to public view dressed in a clean white polo shirt, tailored black trousers, and his characteristic red “Make America Great Again” hat.
Accompanying him were his teenage granddaughter, Kai Trump, and grandson, Spencer Frederick Trump. The three were escorted into a waiting vehicle headed to his preferred golf club in Sterling, Virginia.
Speculation regarding Trump’s condition began earlier in the week after the White House published an empty schedule for the Labor Day weekend, indicating no public engagements.
The president had last been observed on Tuesday during a Cabinet meeting, leading some internet users to develop theories about his well-being—or whether he was still alive.
After Trump reappeared in public, one commenter noted, “Our last president wasn’t seen often for days at a time [sic] why jump to conclusions after a few days?”
Others were more critical, with one individual jesting, “It’s his clone lol.” Another went further, claiming, “Dude, that clearly isn’t even him!” A different user mocked the president’s well-known branded attire, writing, “Does he own clothes that DON’T have his name in them??”
Additional commentators questioned Trump’s choice to wear his name on his clothing, joking that it served as a reminder in case he forgot his identity. Other detractors focused on his physical appearance, suggesting he looked ill and even comparing him to a character from the film “Weekend at Bernie’s.”
Observers also noted that the president appeared to have lost interest in maintaining his characteristically styled hair, interpreting it as an indication of declining health or advanced age. Nonetheless, some dismissed the speculation entirely, citing his continued golf games as evidence that the president was perfectly fine.
As online rumors intensified, Vice President J. D. Vance publicly supported Trump’s health while also addressing his own preparedness to assume leadership if necessary. In a conversation with USA TODAY on August 27, Vance defended his embattled commander-in-chief while also confronting the sobering question: What if a tragedy occurs?
“The president is in incredibly good health. He’s got incredible energy,” Vance stated, mentioning that Trump frequently works longer hours than staff members who are much younger.
“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 added.
While firmly maintaining that Trump remains capable of serving, Vance did not avoid acknowledging the stark reality of age and potential risk. In a remarkably frank admission, the Ohio senator-turned-vice president addressed the looming “what if” scenarios that critics have been discussing.
“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,” he asserted confidently.
Vance also shared his perspective on his role in the event of a potential crisis. The 41-year-old vice president, only 200 days into his historic position, described a sense of grave 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 revealed.
This is not the first occasion that Trump’s health has become a subject of public discussion. He recently attracted renewed attention when photographs from a press conference seemed to show makeup on his hand. The occurrence has led to additional public examination and conjecture regarding his well-being.
Trump’s right hand was clearly covered with a section of lighter-colored foundation during a briefing in the Oval Office. Despite efforts to conceal it by placing his left hand over his right, the makeup was still visible when he stood to welcome FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who had just arrived from Italy.
As pictures from the event spread online, questions quickly emerged. Some users focused on the apparent use of cosmetics. “Looks like makeup,” one person commented. Another added, “It is base makeup. Likely over a bruise. Point is?”
Others were more disapproving 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,” one observation read.
Speculation soon shifted to potential health issues. “Can somebody explain this patch on Donald Trump’s hand? Looks odd,” an internet user asked. Another noted, “Notice how he covers his right hand with his left to hide the bruising.”
Worry about Trump’s physical state was reflected in more direct responses. “This guy is not doing well. Hands all bruised,” one critic stated. Others wondered if there was a more serious underlying issue.
“What happened to Donald Trump’s hand?” one asked. Another observed, “Is something wrong with his left hand? Fingers all the same length and looks swollen?”
This is not the first instance in which Trump’s hands have attracted public notice. In July, he was seen with noticeable bruising on his hand and apparent swelling in his legs, prompting similar concerns about his health.
At that time, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to the concerns during a briefing, referencing a medical assessment performed by the White House Medical Unit.
According to a letter from the president’s physician, Capt. Sean Barbabella, Trump, 79, received a “comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies.” The assessment identified chronic venous insufficiency—a condition the letter characterized as “benign and common, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.”
The tests were requested after Trump reportedly experienced “mild swelling in his lower legs” over several weeks. “Importantly, there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or arterial disease,” Leavitt stated, quoting the physician’s conclusions. Laboratory findings were also “within normal limits.”
In addition to vascular exams, Trump was given an echocardiogram, which, based on Barbabella’s report, indicated no signs of heart failure, kidney dysfunction, or systemic illness. Despite these confirmations, the most recent images have revived public conversation about Trump’s health and physical condition.
We previously reported that Trump made an unusual appearance on the White House roof. On August 5, 2025, he was said to have walked across it in a dark suit, white shirt, and red tie, with security personnel following closely behind.
The unusual incident prompted quick reactions on social media. One commenter wrote, “Maybe he got lost?” Others contributed humorous interpretations. One observer noted, “Looks like the nurses took their eyes off him for a minute.”
Another added, “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].” A different voice stated, “Giving some comic relief.”
Further reactions from internet users emerged. “Not his house!” another remarked. A different observer commented, “He’s acting like he owns the place. It’s ‘the People’s house’, not his [sic]!” Meanwhile, one viewer said, “I can’t believe the secret service [sic] let him up there 🤡🤣🎯🎯🎯.”
Amid the jokes, some offered a more favorable viewpoint. One person wrote, “Ooh, a presidential renovation? Can’t wait to see the new look! 🤩” Another added, “Honestly, it’s great to see a hands-on president. The White House could use some updates, just like our country. Let’s get it done.”
As Trump remained on the roof, reporters below called out to him. As covered by ABC News, one shouted, “Mr. President, what are you doing up there?” Trump responded, “Just taking a little walk.”
When asked, “What are you building?” he answered, “It goes with the ballroom, which is on the other side…Something beautiful,” while making hand gestures.