Kate Laurensen is a veteran reporter. She started out covering entertainment news for the local city paper before moving up to the City desk. She studied journalism at San Francisco City College for the Arts.
September 3 , 2025
Washington, D.C. — First Lady Melania Trump addressed the nation Tuesday evening from the White House Rose Garden, directly confronting widespread rumors that President Donald J. Trump had passed away.
Speaking at a lectern flanked by the American flag and seasonal floral displays, Mrs. Trump assured the public that her husband is alive and continuing his work. Her remarks lasted roughly ten minutes and were delivered in a calm, measured tone.
“I want to speak directly to the American people,” she began, pausing briefly as press cameras clicked. “There has been much speculation in recent days. I want to make it very clear: my husband, our President, is not dead. He is strong, he is engaged, and he remains dedicated to serving this country.”
The unusual statement comes after several days of heightened public speculation, fueled in part by the President’s absence from recent scheduled appearances and conflicting reports about his health. Some online commentators and high-profile voices on social media claimed without evidence that the President had died.
Administration officials had previously sought to tamp down these claims, attributing the President’s absence to a “period of rest and private meetings.” However, the absence of images or live appearances had allowed speculation to thrive.
During her remarks, Mrs. Trump did not address the President’s precise whereabouts or current condition, noting only that “he looks forward to speaking to the American people soon in person.” She concluded with a brief appeal for trust and unity, stating, “It is important that we not allow harmful rumors to divide us.”
Reporters in attendance were not permitted to ask questions following the prepared statement.
Reaction to the address has been mixed. Political allies of the President praised the First Lady for what they called a “steadying message,” while others questioned why the President himself has not appeared publicly.
The White House has not released an updated public schedule for the President, though aides indicated that further announcements would be forthcoming later in the week.
As of Tuesday night, the Rose Garden statement remains the most direct acknowledgement from the administration regarding the speculation, leaving many Americans awaiting clear and verifiable signs of the President’s status.
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