
US President Donald Trump with John Fredericks at Virginia golf club, Photo Credit: John Fredericks/X
Speculation Over His Appearance
Rumors surged after Trump returned to the Oval Office on September 2 following several days out of public view. Paparazzi photos quickly spread online, with one close-up of his face sparking instant debate.
“Maybe it’s just me, but that doesn’t look like Trump at all,” one user wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Another joked: “That’s his stunt double.” A third speculated: “Okay maybe he is dying.”
This isn’t the first time. Back in June, images from a NATO summit in the Netherlands triggered similar “body double” chatter after Trump appeared slightly shorter than expected beside world leaders.
Experts Weigh In
The viral claims don’t hold up to scrutiny. Official health disclosures list Trump at 6’3” and 224 pounds. In the disputed photo, he stood next to King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands (6’2”) and Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (just over 6 feet). Experts note that posture, footwear, and camera angles can easily distort appearances.

US President Donald Trump waving from inside of a car, Photo Credit: Globe Eye News/X
Trump Responds in His Style
Trump shut down the speculation on Truth Social, writing in all caps:
“NEVER FELT BETTER IN MY LIFE. Also, DC IS A CRIME FREE ZONE! President DJT.”
His remark came after a supporter blasted what they called a media double standard: “Biden disappears for days and the press calls him ‘sharp.’ Trump steps back for 24 hours and it’s a meltdown.”
Vance Defends Trump’s Health
Vice President JD Vance also addressed the rumors in an interview with USA Today. While he said he must be ready for “anything catastrophic,” he dismissed speculation outright.
“The president is in incredibly good health,” Vance insisted. “He’s got tremendous energy. He’s the last one to go to bed, the first to wake up, and he’s making calls before anyone else.”

US President Donald Trump spotted outside the White House wearing golf attire, Photo Credit: Nt_Takfeeri_1/X
Bottom Line
Despite the online frenzy, Trump’s message is clear: he’s alive, healthy, and not going anywhere.