Trump dismisses rumors he is in ill health, calls them ‘fake’

U.S. President Donald Trump asked about the reports that he was dead after not being seen over the weekend, calling it ‘fake news.’

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday said reports on social media that he is in ill health are untrue, saying he was busy over the Labor Day weekend giving media interviews and visiting his Virginia golf club.

“I was very active over the weekend,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. Asked if he was aware of the reports, he called them “fake.”

On July 17, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said Trump was experiencing swelling in his lower legs and bruising on his right hand after photos showed him with swollen ankles and makeup covering part of his hand.

His physician, Sean Barbabella, said in a letter released by the White House that tests confirmed the leg issue was due to “chronic venous insufficiency,” a benign and common condition, especially in people over 70.

The doctor said the bruising on Trump’s hand was consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and aspirin use, which Trump takes as part of a “standard cardiovascular prevention regimen.”

Since then, the White House has played down concerns about Trump’s health, saying he is taking the leg issue in stride, without detailing how it is being treated.

Trump, 79, in January became the oldest person to assume the U.S. presidency.