RUMOURS that the US president Donald Trump has died have gone viral on social media following his second-in-command JD Vance’s “terrible tragedy” remarks.
The phrase "Trump is dead" has exploded on social media due to the US president not being seen in public for three days, leading to growing concerns over his health.
Trump’s absence follows recent photographs which showed the US President with what appears to be a bruising on his hand along with swollen legs, which led to further social media chatter about whether his health was declining.
The 79-year-old president reportedly doesn't have any scheduled events this weekend, which may explain why he has not appeared in public, and has also been posting on his own social media platform Truth Social, since he was last seen.
However, Vance, in trying to quash the rumours of Trump’s death, has apparently only made it worse, insisting he is ready to take the top job in case of a “terrible tragedy” were to happen to the US president.
In an interview with USA Today on Wednesday, Vance stressed Trump was in great shape, but added that the possibility could not be ruled out.
He said: “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.
“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.
“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.”
There has been no confirmation that Trump is dead.
The speculation comes after the White House confirmed in July Trump had chronic venous insufficiency, a vein condition which causes leg swelling.
The condition causes increased pressure in veins and can lead to swelling as well as ulcers, but it is not thought to be life threatening.
Before the White House’s announcement, pictures shared on social media showed his swollen legs and sparked speculation over his state of health.
Following pictures which appeared to show the US president's hands bruised his physician, Sean Barbabella, reportedly said it was due to repeated handshakes.
“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,” Barbabella said.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also issued a statement regarding the bruising as she said: “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.”
