Trump denies health claims

Old age and absence spark death rumour

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WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday dismissed social media rumours that have swirled about his health — including that he had died — as “fake news” during a press conference at the White House.

Mr Trump did not schedule any public appearances or hold any press conferences for several days last week, a noticeable absence from the cameras for the publicity-loving 79-year-old.

Combined with his age — he is the oldest person ever to be elected US president — and recent images of his bruised hand and swollen ankles, the quiet from the Oval Office ignited widespread speculation that something was seriously wrong with Mr Trump’s health.

Many users even suggested that the 45th and 47th US president may have passed away, and that the White House was covering it up.