Login to Continue Learning
Russian state TV host Vladimir Solovyov discussed rumors about President Donald Trump’s health, which had been circulating due to his absence for several days. Solovyov, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, made these comments on Russia 1 channel following baseless speculation that Trump had died.
Trump dismissed the health rumors, posting on Truth Social that he “never felt better.”
Why It Matters
Russian state television has long been focused on Trump, especially after his meeting with Putin in Alaska was seen as a win for Russian interests. Solovyov’s mention of these false health rumors underscores how widespread speculation about the U.S. president had become.
U.S. President Donald Trump in the Cabinet Room of the White House on August 26, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
False rumors about Trump’s death began circulating on social media platforms on Friday and were quickly mocked by the U.S. president on Truth Social.
Solovyov’s monologue during his program on Sunday evening centered on the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit where Putin and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping discussed a shift away from the U.S.-led world order.
He also ridiculed Trump’s inability to secure deals for acquiring Greenland, Canada, or the Panama Canal.
In a clip posted by Russian viewer Julia Davis, Solovyov referred to speculations that “Trump has a bruise on his hand,” and that the British queen had a similar bruise and subsequently died. He stated, “That’s it, Trump is gone,” without providing evidence for the age of the footage showing him playing golf.
Solovyov mentioned an interview with U.S. Vice President JD Vance who said he was ready to take over if something happened to Trump. Solovyov suggested that Vance “must know something.”
Putin has also been subject to rumors about his ill health, which the Kremlin has repeatedly denied.
Russian TV presenter Vladimir Solovyov: “The whole world is saying that Trump has a bruise on his hand. The British queen also had a bruise and then she died. Everybody dies. Whether they have a bruise or not, people are mortal.”
President Donald Trump on Truth Social: “NEVER FELT BETTER IN MY LIFE.”
Trump’s post may have quashed internet rumors about his health, but he will likely remain a key topic for Russian state television commentators.
