US President Donald Trump has quashed rumours that he has died, publishing a “proof of life” photo on social media.

It came after various platforms exploded at the weekend with thousands of unverified claims that the 79-year-old US commander-in-chief had died because he hadn’t been seen in public for two days.

Hashtags such as #whereistrump and #TRUMPDIED were used across thousands of posts, putting fire under the rumours.

By midday Saturday (Washington time), search inquiries for “Trump”, “is Trump dead” and “Trump dead” were reportedly topping Google, with “Where is Donald Trump” was trending on X.

The Trump was seen entering a vehicle at the White House with his 18-year-old granddaughter Kai.

Soon after, he took to his Truth Social platform to share a photo of himself playing golf with American football coach Jon Gruden at the Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia.

“Great playing Golf with Jon Gruden – A really nice guy, and true character! (sic)” he wrote.

The rumours about Trump’s death intensified when conspiracy theorists pointed out that he had no events scheduled for the weekend – which is unusual because he typically does make some kind of public appearance.

It is a long weekend in the US, which marks its Labor Day on Monday.

The White House did not comment on the rumours. But Trump appeared to respond, again through Truth Social.

Responding to a post by conservative commentator DC Draino – who called out the internet gossip for its “comical double standards”.

“Joe Biden would go multiple days at a time without any public appearances and the media would say he’s ‘sharp’ and ‘top of his game’. Meanwhile he was wearing diapers and napping. President Trump puts in more public work hours than any other POTUS in US history and media freaks out if he disappears for 24 hours. Comical double standard,” Draino wrote.

Trump responded with: “NEVER FELT BETTER IN MY LIFE”.

Trump, at 79, is the oldest president to be sworn in in the US.

Vice President JD Vance added fuel to the fire last Wednesday by saying that he was ready to assume the position of commander-in-chief if a “terrible tragedy” occurred.

“Yes, terrible tragedies happen, but 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,” he told USA Today.

“If, God forbid, there’s a terrible tragedy, I can’t think of better on-the-job training than what I’ve gotten over the last 200 days.”

Vance also insisted that Trump – whose right ear was injured in an assassination attempt by gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2024 – is “the last person making phone calls at night, and the first in the morning”.

Rumours about Trump’s health have also surged after he was photographed repeatedly with apparent bruising on his right hand. It is often covered up with makeup and the White House insists is it is due only to the frequent hand-shaking he does.

“President Trump is a man of the people, and he meets more Americans and shakes their hands on a daily basis more than any other president in history,” spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said earlier this year.

The White House also confirmed in July that Trump has chronic venous insufficiency.

The condition means it is more difficult for the blood to flow back to a sufferer’s heart so it pools in their legs, creating increased pressure in the veins in legs and feet. This can cause swelling (called oedema), skin discolouration, varicose veins, and even skin ulcers.

It is common in people older than 70.

-with AAP