For days,President Donald Trump‘s absence from the public eye fueled online speculation about his health. Despite glimpses of the president at his golf course over the weekend, rumors persisted, prompting him to address the concerns directly during his first public appearance in a week on Tuesday.

During a press conference, Peter Doucy of Fox News asked, “How did you find out during the weekend she had died? Did you see it?”

“No,” the 79-year-old president replied. Senators and government officials present at the announcement regarding changes to the space command reacted with smiles.

The president stated he was unaware of the rumors surrounding his well-being but acknowledged hearing concerns. “I knew that something like: ‘Is it okay? How do you feel? What do you have?'” Trump said, dismissing the speculation as “false news” and asserting that “he was very active during the weekend.”

Recently, President Trump has been observed with bruises on his right hand, sometimes concealed with makeup, and swelling in his ankles.

White House Description

“I have never felt better in my whole life.”

The White House attributed the swelling to chronic venous insufficiency, a condition common in older adults where veins in the legs struggle to return blood to the heart. As for the bruises, press secretary karoline Leavitt explained they were a result of “strengthening hands frequently and the use of aspirins,” which President Trump takes to mitigate the risk of heart attack or stroke.

President Trump mentioned giving interviews and posting on Truth Social during his time away from public view, including writing some “long truths” and “quite moving truths.” On Sunday, he posted, “I have never felt better in my whole life.”

Past Health Transparency

President Trump’s health transparency has been questioned in the past. In 2015, after announcing his first campaign, he released a letter from his doctor claiming his “physical strength and resistance are remarkable” and that he would be “the healthiest individual ever chosen for the presidency.”

In 2020, the White House initially withheld details about President Trump’s COVID-19 hospitalization, including a concerning drop in blood oxygen levels. It was later revealed that his condition was more severe than initially portrayed.