• Trump refers to health rumors as 'fake news'.
• Social media speculation heightened due to his absence from public events.
• He insists he was active over the Labor Day weekend, visiting his golf course.
• Reports of minor health issues have been downplayed by the White House.
• Trump's physician confirms he remains in 'excellent health'.

US President Donald Trump dismissed rampant rumors regarding his health as "fake news" during a press conference at the White House on September 2. Speculations arose over the Labor Day weekend when Trump, who is 79 years old, had no public appearances for several consecutive days, prompting discussions on social media whether he was in poor health or even had died, as some users suggested the White House was covering up his death. "Really? I didn't see that," Trump responded, adding, "I was very active over the weekend," which included visits to his Virginia golf course, according to Indiatimes, Reuters, Channel News Asia, Le Monde, and The Jakarta Post.

Despite concerns raised about his health, stemming from images displaying a bruised hand and swollen ankles, the White House has characterized these conditions as stemming from benign issues. Trump's physician, Sean Barbabella, noted that the swelling was related to "chronic venous insufficiency," common in older individuals, while the bruising was linked to "tissue irritation from frequent handshaking" and aspirin use. Officials assured the public that Trump "remains in excellent health," addressing worries that have become more pronounced as both Trump and Biden, at 82, are among the oldest presidents in US history, reports Reuters, Channel News Asia, Le Monde, and The Jakarta Post.

As Trump continues to navigate his presidency, the scrutiny over both him and President Biden's health is expected to remain a focal point leading into the next election cycle. Speculation has been fueled not only by the presidents' ages but also by how the public engages with health information shared across social media platforms. The intersection of health concerns and political image makes Trump's dismissal of rumors particularly significant, according to Channel News Asia, Le Monde, and The Jakarta Post.