Questions are being raised around Donald Trump's absence from the spotlight, with online chatter suggesting the US President has gone ‘missing’ from public view. To be sure, the speculation is driven mostly by anonymous social media handles. The White House has not commented on the matter
Several posts on X claimed that Trump had not been seen over the last day. His schedule for August 30 and 31 also does not list any public events, as per Roll Call, the Washington-based publication. This seems to have added fuel to the fire. This latest speculation, which remains unverified, comes amid ongoing concern about Donald Trump's health, especially around the persistent bruising on his hand.
What are people saying about Donald Trump?
Trump's apparent absence has sparked concerns on X. One person said “Donald Trump has not been seen in over 24 hours and has no public appearances scheduled for the next two days. What is going on?” Another remarked “Trump has no public events scheduled all weekend. Don’t believe he was seen today either.”
Also Read | Psychologists raise alarm over Donald Trump's ‘worsening’ health, cite signs of serious brain disorder
While Trump might not have made any public appearances, he has been quite active online, as his Truth Social posts will show.
{{/usCountry}}While Trump might not have made any public appearances, he has been quite active online, as his Truth Social posts will show.
{{/usCountry}}Trump's likely lack of public events could be because the US is headed into the Labor Day weekend – with Labor Day slated to be celebrated on September 1.
What are Donald Trump's plans for Labor Day?
Trump was initially supposed to be at his Bedminster, New Jersey, resort for the final two weeks of August, but the President scrapped the plans and decided to stay on in the White House, The Washington Times reported.
Donald Trump's health scare
Worries about where the 79-year-old President might be have been compounded due to fears about his health. Trump has been spotted with a bruise on his hand, and on previous occasions, he's been seen with makeup on his hand to hide this bruise.
Trump's physician, Sean Barbabella, admitted to Trump having bruises, saying, “This is 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.” Trump's physician said that the President was otherwise in ‘excellent cognitive and physical health’ and added that the bruises could also be from aspirin Trump takes to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also issued a statement to the Independent clarifying the matter, saying, “President Trump is a man of the people, and he meets more Americans and shakes their hands on a daily basis than any other President in history. His commitment is unwavering, and he proves that every single day.”
Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance expressed willingness to take over as the president if some “terrible tragedy” takes place, he told USA Today, in an interview, while asserting that Trump was in "great health."