Fact Check: Were photos of Trump’s golf outing amid death hoax from 2019?
WASHINGTON, DC: A rumor in late August 2025 alleged that the White House released photographs of President Donald Trump from 2019 and falsely presented them as current images.
The claim surfaced amid false speculation that Trump had died over Labor Day weekend.
Claim: Donald Trump Labor Day photos recycled from 2019
The viral TikTok video alleged that the White House attempted to prove Trump was alive by releasing outdated images.
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The user compared photos of Trump and his grandchildren entering the presidential motorcade on the White House's south lawn, en route to Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia.
The clip suggested the photos matched older images from 2019, citing details like the license plate number and Trump's golf attire. The rumor spread rapidly across Facebook, Threads, Instagram, and Reddit, prompting widespread confusion.
Fact Check: Getty Images confirms 2025 origin of Donald Trump photos
The photos were not released by the White House but by TMZ, which credited them to Getty Images. A reverse-image search showed no records of these photos appearing before Labor Day weekend 2025.
There are several details that disprove it. The “800-002” Washington, D.C., license plate seen on the presidential vehicle is not unique to 2019; it has been used on motorcades under former presidents Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and during Trump’s first term, making its reappearance completely normal.
Trump’s grandchildren, Kai (18) and Spencer (12), appear visibly older than they would have been in 2019, clearly indicating the photos are current.
Finally, Trump’s golf hat offers another clue, in 2019 he wore a red “Make America Great Again” cap marked “45,” denoting his first term, whereas since taking office again, he has worn hats marked “45-47.”
Getty Images even captured Trump in this updated, confirming the photos’ authenticity.
The speculation arose during a wave of baseless rumors about Trump’s health, including claims he died over Labor Day weekend.
The TikTok video, which focused on photo angles and vehicle plates, ignited misinformation across social platforms. Similar images of Trump boarding his motorcade from 2018, 2019, and 2020 helped fuel confusion, but none matched the specifics of the 2025 photographs.
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