‘Trump is Dead’ trend grips X after VP Vance’s remarks and Simpsons creator’s comments fuel speculation

The online buzz coincided with Vice President JD Vance’s recent comments and was further amplified by remarks from The Simpsons creator Matt Groening.

The phrase gained traction shortly after Vance was asked in an USA Today interview on August 27 whether he was ready to take charge if a “terrible tragedy” struck. While praising Trump’s energy and daily routine, Vance admitted unforeseen events could never be ruled out.

"He's the last person making phone calls at night, and he's the first person who wakes up and the first person making phone calls in the morning," Vance said, adding, "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. And 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."

His line on succession likely helped fuel the trending phrase. Health speculation has also played a role.

In July, the White House disclosed that Trump suffers from chronic venous insufficiency, a vein disorder that causes swelling in the legs.

Even before the statement, images of his visibly swollen legs had circulated online. Trump also endured two assassination attempts during his campaign for the presidency.

Simpsons connection

The chatter intensified following Groening’s comments at San Diego Comic-Con in July.

As reported by Euronews, citing Variety, Groening confirmed there was “no end in sight” for the series but cheekily tied its end to Trump’s eventual death.

"No, there's no end in sight. We're going to keep going. We're going to go until somebody dies," he said, before adding: "When you-know-who dies, The Simpsons predicts that there will be dancing in the streets. Except President (J.D.) Vance will ban dancing."

The long-running show has a reputation for its uncanny Trump predictions, from foreshadowing his 2000 victory to a storyline about his re-election in 2015.

Rumours resurface

This is not the first time Trump has been the subject of false death claims online. In September 2023, Donald Trump Jr.’s X account was hacked, posting a fake claim that the former president had died and that he would contest in his father’s place.

The hoax was quickly dismissed after Trump posted on Truth Social confirming he was alive.