Rumors and speculation foisted by media outlets and users on social media about President Donald Trumps health are a “false narrative,” he said in an interview on Friday morning.
His recent, unannounced visit to Walter Reed Medical Center in Maryland was a routine part of his physical, Trump told Fox News. The trip last Saturday was not on his public schedule released ahead of time.
But, “on the way back, Im hearing rumors that Im in the hospital,” Trump said.
He added: “Then Im hearing rumors that I had chest pains. Then Im hearing rumors that I had a massive heart attack. Then Im hearing rumors that Im not coming back … Im staying at Walter Reed overnight and maybe for a long time.”
Trump said that the rumors prompted his wife, first lady Melania Trump, who heard the news while the president was away, to worry and question whether he was in good health.
The speculation about his health was propagated by CNN and “that stupid MSNBC, which is just as bad,” said the president.
“They started a false narrative,” he said. “Its so disgusting what they do because they knew it wasnt true, and they went with it.”
Three medical professionals, he said, called up news outlets and said the speculation wasnt true.
“Theyre bad people. Its fake, corrupt news,” Trump remarked.
Press secretary Stephanie Grisham handed a readout of Trumps medical visit and told reporters that he will be busy in 2020. Over the weekend, after the speculation mounted, she slammed media outlets for their coverage.
“Anticipating a very busy 2020, the President is taking advantage of a free weekend here in Washington, D.C.,” she told reporters.
