White House Official Criticizes Media for Trump Death Rumors

On Wednesday, during an appearance on Fox News’ “Hannity,” White House Deputy Chief of Policy Stephen Miller expressed strong disapproval of media personalities and politicians who fueled unfounded rumors about President Donald Trump’s death.

The speculation about Trump’s passing started circulating online last Friday and gained traction over the Labor Day weekend with trending hashtags like #TrumpisDead and #WhereIstrump. Hannity asked Miller about the situation, noting that several public figures, including former White House press secretary Jen Psaki, comedian Stephen Colbert, and Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz, had commented on the rumors.

“Shawn, where do you begin with these idiots?” Miller remarked. He emphasized that Trump has sought to maintain transparency by engaging in numerous press conferences and interviews. “He has cabinet meetings that go on for almost four hours. History will show that few have been more present in their role than President Trump,” he added.

Miller continued, sharing that Trump is often the first to call in the mornings and the last to reach out well past midnight about ongoing projects ranging from trade to public safety. “He’s on top of everything, 24/7,” he insisted.

The rumors regarding Trump’s health escalated after he hadn’t made a public appearance, despite doing an exclusive interview that same day. On Monday, Governor Waltz seemed to reference Trump’s mortality during a Labor Day event, saying, “there will be someday” regarding the president’s death.

Colbert, addressing the false narratives, began his show on Tuesday by expressing surprise that the rumors had spread. He stated, “Trump is very alive,” prompting his audience to boo, with some saying, “No. No. We like the president living.” Colbert reiterated that Trump was indeed alive.

Miller didn’t hold back in his criticism of Colbert, labeling him a “slimeball” and claiming that CBS had already canceled his show. “Look, Colbert is just a mean, disgusting, smarmy guy,” Miller said. “He obviously got fired for a reason. It’s hard to take someone like him seriously.” He commented on the unpleasantness he perceives in Colbert’s demeanor.

As for President Trump, he has faced significant challenges during the 2024 election season, including surviving two attempts on his life. In one incident back in July 2024, a 20-year-old named Thomas Matthew Crooks fired multiple rounds at a rally, narrowly missing Trump and tragically killing a volunteer fire chief. In another event on September 15, 2024, it was revealed that Secret Service agents were armed and concealed in the bushes at Trump International Golf Club, prepared for a potential attack.