Fact Check: Is the rumor about Trump only having 6 to 8 months to live true?
WASHINGTON, DC: Since taking office for his second term as president, many people have raised concerns regarding Donald Trump's health, considering his age. The 79-year-old POTUS was also spotted with marks on his hands, further fueling speculation about his health.
Recently, a rumor circulated online claiming that Donald Trump had only six to eight months left to live. But is there any truth to this rumor? Let us find out below.
Claim: Donald Trump had only six to eight months to live
In August 2025, a TikTok user posted a video claiming that Donald Trump had only six to eight months left to live.
The user alleged that the POTUS showed worsening symptoms of congestive heart failure and chronic kidney disease, including increased swelling in Trump’s ankles and bruising on his hand.
The video surfaced across other social media platforms, such as Reddit, X, and Bluesky.
The TikTok user said, "The reason I know he has congestive heart failure is because of the swelling in his feet and ankles. The reason I know it's getting worse is because he's sitting behind a desk on camera now."
"The only reason his health has been maintained at all is because he has the privilege of getting IV diuretics ... that's why his hands have been bruised and covered with makeup. I think he's going to be around for six to eight months, tops," the person added.
Fact Check: False, no credible evidence to back the claim
The claims made in the online rumors are false, as they are unfounded and not based on any hands-on diagnosis by a physician, Snopes reported.
Moreover, the claim was neither based on a clinical diagnosis nor on the testimony of any physician familiar with the president's medical status. In fact, the creator of the original video that fueled the rumor was not a doctor, as many posts suggested, but a self-identified physical therapist.
The White House also addressed the rumors surrounding Trump’s swollen ankles and bruised hand. In July 2025, officials confirmed that Trump had chronic venous insufficiency but rejected claims that he had congestive heart failure or chronic kidney disease.
Memorandum from Trump's physician says he remains in 'excellent health'
A memorandum from Donald Trump’s physician, Dr Sean Barbabella, dated July 17, concluded that the POTUS remained in "excellent health."
The memorandum also addressed the bruising on Trump’s right hand, which the TikTok video cited as evidence of congestive heart failure. It stated that the bruising "is consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen. This is a well-known and benign side effect of aspirin therapy."
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump had chronic venous insufficiency, "a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70."
She added, "Importantly, there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease. Laboratory testing included a complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, coagulation profile, D-dimer, B-type natriuretic peptide, and cardiac biomarkers. All results were within normal limits. An echocardiogram was also performed and confirmed normal cardiac structure and function. No signs of heart failure, renal impairment, or systemic illness were identified."
