Speculation over the health of US President Donald Trump spread rapidly online after the White House announced a press “lid” at 11:08 a.m. on Saturday, indicating no further public appearances for the day.
The development triggered unverified claims on social media suggesting Trump had been rushed to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, with prediction markets and commentators amplifying the narrative despite the absence of official confirmation.
The rumours gained traction following the circulation of a viral video purportedly showing Trump being transported to hospital.
However, fact checks revealed the clip was from 2024, when he was discharged from a medical facility in Butler, Pennsylvania, after a previous incident.
Reverse image searches confirmed the footage was unrelated to current events, though it continued to be widely shared across platforms including X, Facebook and Instagram.
Journalists covering the White House countered the claims, reporting signs that Trump remained within the West Wing.
White House correspondent Hugo Lowell and CBS journalist Emma Nicholson cited the presence of a Marine sentry as an indication of his location.
In addition, freelance reporter Andrew Leyden shared real-time updates from Walter Reed, noting the absence of any presidential motorcade, Marine One helicopter activity, or heightened security presence typically associated with such visits.
Further dispelling the rumours, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung stated that Trump had been carrying out official duties throughout the Easter weekend.
According to officials, Trump remained active within the White House and Oval Office, while also posting updates on social media regarding geopolitical tensions involving Iran and economic developments.
He was not reported to have travelled to his golf course or Mar-a-Lago residence during the period.
