Trump not hospitalized, White House insists amid online speculation

The White House has firmly rejected claims circulating on social media that United States President Donald Trump was hospitalized on Saturday, dismissing the reports as a “deranged liberal conspiracy theory.”

The official White House “Rapid Response 47” account on X pushed back against the allegations after several social media users, including liberal political influencer Ed Krassenstein and commentator Mark Slapinski, suggested that the president had been rushed to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

“Deranged liberals cook up insane conspiracy theories when @POTUS goes 12 hours without speaking to press,” the account posted. “Fear not! President Trump literally never stops working.”

To counter the speculation, the White House shared a photograph showing a Marine sentry stationed outside the Oval Office, signaling that the president was at work. In a direct rebuke, Krassenstein was described in the official response as a “weapons-grade moron.”

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The rumours gained traction after Trump went nearly three days without making a public appearance following his primetime address on April 1 concerning the war with Iran. On Saturday, the White House placed a “lid” on his schedule at 10 a.m., informing reporters that there would be no further public engagements for the day — a move that fueled online speculation.

Some commentators also circulated outdated footage filmed outside a hospital in Butler, from the failed assassination attempt on Trump in July 2024, to suggest he had been admitted. The White House maintained that the claims were entirely false and misleading.

Trump himself addressed developments in the Iran conflict later on Saturday via his Truth Social account, sharing a video purportedly showing explosions over Tehran.

“Many of Iran’s Military Leaders, who have led them poorly and unwisely, are terminated, along with much else, with this massive strike in Tehran! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he wrote.

White House Director of Communications Steven Cheung also reinforced the administration’s position, stating that there has “never been a President who has worked harder for the American people.”

“On this Easter weekend, he has been working nonstop in the White House and Oval Office. God Bless him,” Cheung said.

The episode highlights the speed at which unverified claims can spread online, particularly during periods of heightened political tension and reduced public visibility of national leaders.