The White House stepped in over the weekend to quell growing online speculation that Donald Trump was undergoing medical treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Since stepping into his second term as president, Donald Trump’s health has been a frequent topic of discussion. From persistent bruising on his hands to reports of swollen ankles, questions about his well-being have persisted. This weekend, his health drew widespread attention once again.

The rumors gained traction on Saturday after an unexpected White House update at 11:08 a.m., announcing that the president would not be making any public appearances for the rest of the day.

The announcement seems to have fueled some concern. According to The National, speculation about his hospitalization, and even his death, went viral after journalist Ed Krassenstein reportedly posted: “Speculation is rising that Donald Trump is at Walter Reed Medical Centre.”

Donald Trump’s health

Trump’s spokesman, Steven Cheung, quickly pushed back on the claims in a post on X, writing: “There has never been a President who has worked harder for the American people than President Trump. On this Easter weekend, he has been working nonstop in the White House and Oval Office. God Bless him,” according to VT.

Trump’s most recent visit to Walter Reed came in October, when he revealed he had undergone an MRI scan. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he said: “I did. I got an MRI. It was perfect.” He added, “The doctor said [it] was some of the best reports, for the age, they’ve ever seen,” before declining to elaborate on why the scan was carried out, instead telling journalists to “ask the doctors.”

According to his physician, Sean Barbabella, the appointment was routine. He described it as a “scheduled follow-up evaluation as part of his ongoing health maintenance plan and included advanced imaging, laboratory testing, and preventative health assessments,” adding that the president “continues to demonstrate excellent overall health.”