On August 25, 2025, President Donald Trump welcomed South Korean President Lee Jae-myung to the Oval Office for a high-stakes meeting that was supposed to focus on trade and shipbuilding. But by the end of the week, the world’s attention had shifted sharply: a bruise on Trump’s hand, his sudden absence from public view, and the sight of the U.S. flag at half-mast outside the White House set off a wildfire of speculation about the president’s health, even sparking the viral hashtag “TRUMP IS DEAD” on social media.
The meeting itself was significant, marking Lee’s first official visit to Washington since taking office in June. According to ABC News, Lee’s presidency followed a period of intense political upheaval in South Korea, triggered when his predecessor, Yoon Suk Yeol, declared martial law and was subsequently impeached. Lee, eager to reset international relations and stabilize his country, praised Trump and emphasized his hope that the United States would play a pivotal role in establishing lasting peace on the Korean peninsula.
“We are here to discuss trade and shipbuilding, but also, I believe, to build a new chapter of peace,” Lee reportedly told Trump, as cited by ABC News. The encounter was meant to showcase a united front and renewed cooperation between the two allies, especially as both nations face evolving regional security challenges and economic uncertainties.
Yet, it wasn’t the diplomatic agenda that dominated headlines in the days that followed. Instead, the focus shifted to President Trump’s health—a topic that has often drawn scrutiny, but rarely with such intensity. During the meeting with Lee, observers noticed a distinct bruise on Trump’s hand. Social media users quickly began to speculate, some suggesting the injury pointed to a deeper health problem, while others wondered if it was simply the result of a handshake gone awry.
As the week progressed, the president’s absence from public events only fueled the rumor mill. Trump, known for his frequent appearances and energetic rallies, had not been seen in several days. The situation took another turn when the U.S. flag at the White House was lowered to half-mast, a move that many interpreted as an ominous sign. By Saturday, “TRUMP IS DEAD” was trending on X (formerly Twitter), with thousands of users posting theories and demands for transparency about the president’s condition.
But as reported by The Indian Express and corroborated by multiple outlets, the truth behind the half-mast flag was far less dramatic. President Trump had ordered all federal buildings to lower the flag in mourning for the victims of a recent tragedy: a shooting at a Minneapolis church that left two people dead and seventeen more injured. The order specified that flags would remain at half-mast until August 31, 2025, as a gesture of national grief and respect for the victims and their families. The White House confirmed that the flag lowering was unrelated to the president’s health or any personal matter.
This clarification, however, did little to quell the online frenzy. The convergence of Trump’s absence, the visible bruise, and the half-mast flags had already set the stage for rampant speculation. For many, the situation was reminiscent of past moments in U.S. history when presidential health became a matter of public concern—and political intrigue.
Amid the growing rumors, Trump’s physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, stepped forward to address concerns about the president’s health. In a statement provided to major news outlets, Dr. Barbabella explained, “This 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.” He emphasized that the president was otherwise in “excellent cognitive and physical health.”
The physician’s statement was intended to put the matter to rest, but with the president still out of sight, speculation persisted. The White House communications team reiterated that Trump was continuing to work behind the scenes and that his schedule had simply shifted to accommodate private meetings and briefings. Still, in the age of instant social media reaction, official statements sometimes struggle to keep pace with public curiosity—and skepticism.
Adding another layer to the unfolding drama, Vice President JD Vance weighed in during an interview with USA Today. Vance, who has often been seen as a rising star within the administration, sought to reassure both the American public and international observers. “The president is in incredibly good health…He’s got incredible energy. I feel very confident the president of the United States is in good shape, is going to serve out the remainder of his term and do great things for the American people,” Vance said. He also addressed the hypothetical scenario of presidential incapacity, stating he was “ready” to take charge if a “terrible tragedy” ever befell Trump.
While the vice president’s comments were meant to project stability, they also underscored the gravity of the moment. In American politics, even the suggestion of presidential vulnerability can trigger waves of anxiety, not just at home but around the world. Allies and adversaries alike watch closely for signs of uncertainty at the top, knowing that leadership transitions—planned or otherwise—can have far-reaching consequences.
For South Korea, the episode was a reminder of the delicate balance that defines its relationship with the United States. Lee Jae-myung’s government, still finding its footing after months of turmoil, had hoped to use the Washington visit to signal a new era of cooperation. Instead, the headlines were dominated by questions about Trump’s health and the stability of U.S. leadership.
Yet, even amid the swirl of rumors and online drama, the core diplomatic agenda was not forgotten. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic ties, especially in the vital shipbuilding sector, and to working together to maintain peace and security on the Korean peninsula. Lee’s call for the U.S. to “play a role in establishing peace” was echoed in official statements from both governments, signaling that, despite distractions, the alliance remains strong.
As the flags continue to fly at half-mast through the end of August, the nation reflects on the tragedy in Minneapolis and the unpredictable nature of public life in the digital age. The week’s events have shown just how quickly speculation can outpace fact—and how, in times of uncertainty, the world still looks to the White House for reassurance and clarity.
