President Donald Trump publicly addressed rumors about his health on Tuesday after a brief stretch away from public events sparked speculation about his well-being. Brushing off the concerns, the 79-year-old president insisted he remains in good health and labeled the chatter as “fake news.”

The topic arose during a press event announcing the new Space Command headquarters, when Fox News reporter Peter Doocy jokingly asked, “How did you find out over the weekend that you were dead? Did you see that?” Trump replied with a smile, “No,” as lawmakers and officials standing nearby chuckled at the exchange.

Trump admitted he hadn’t realized the extent of the rumors but acknowledged hearing whispers about his health.

“I knew they were saying, like: ‘Is he OK? How is he feeling? What’s wrong?’” he said. “I was very active over the weekend.”

Recent public appearances have shown bruising on the back of Trump’s right hand and swelling around his ankles, prompting further scrutiny. The White House attributed these signs to chronic venous insufficiency, a condition common among older adults that affects blood circulation in the legs.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt added that the bruising was likely the result of frequent handshaking and Trump’s daily aspirin regimen, taken to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Trump emphasized that while he had been away from public view, he remained active. He cited interviews and multiple posts on his social media platform, Truth Social, including what he described as “some long Truths” and “pretty poignant Truths.”

In a Sunday post, he declared, “NEVER FELT BETTER IN MY LIFE.”

Questions about Trump’s health have emerged before. In 2015, during his first presidential campaign, he released a now-infamous doctor’s letter claiming he had “extraordinary” physical strength and would be “the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency.”

In 2020, his COVID-19 hospitalization was initially downplayed, with several key details—such as a drop in blood oxygen levels—withheld until later revelations.

This latest episode underscores the continued public scrutiny of the president’s health as he remains a dominant figure in U.S. politics heading into the next election cycle.