President-elect Donald Trump’s communications director lashed out at reporters Thursday, accusing them of fueling baseless rumors about Trump’s health after ambulances were seen leaving Mar-a-Lago, his Florida estate.
Cheung, a long-time Trump loyalist known for his combative rhetoric, responded on social media platform X, criticizing the media for jumping to conclusions. “The press has set up a fake, unofficial ‘pool’ because they want to feel important about themselves,” Cheung wrote. “In this case, some idiot at CBS overreacted and set off the fire alarm for no reason, thinking they were going to get the scoop of a lifetime. F***ing dummy.”
The press has set up a fake, unofficial “pool” because they want to feel important about themselves. In this case, some idiot at CBS overreacted and set off the fire alarm for no reason thinking they were going to get the scoop of a lifetime.
Fucking dummy. https://t.co/iEuYUQ8E58
— Steven Cheung (@StevenCheung) November 21, 2024
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The sharp remark came after Andrew Feinberg, White House correspondent for The Independent, posted on X that CBS reporters stationed near Mar-a-Lago observed “20-25 cars, two ambulances, and a helicopter” leaving Trump’s estate Thursday afternoon. Feinberg’s post, viewed over 3.7 million times by Friday, fueled wild speculation on social media about Trump’s health.
The Facts Behind the Ambulance Sightings
Thirty minutes later, Feinberg updated his report, writing, “CALM DOWN, PEOPLE. Per a transition source and @SecretService, the ambulances were part of Vice President-elect @JDVance’s motorcade. False alarm. Go about your business.” This clarification, viewed over 4 million times, settled the confusion, but not before the rumor mill ran wild.
Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi confirmed the report, dispelling concerns. “We are not tracking any Secret Service-directed medical transports from Mar-a-Lago and from our personnel on the ground,” Guglielmi stated. “There are no issues or concerns with any Secret Service protectees on property.”
It turns out that the ambulances were standard protocol for Vance’s motorcade, unrelated to Trump or any medical emergency.
Trump’s Age Sparks Continued Speculation
The incident reignited attention on Trump’s health, a topic of frequent speculation during the campaign, particularly as he prepares to become the oldest U.S. president ever inaugurated at 78, surpassing Joe Biden’s record at the start of his term in 2021.
Despite the clarification, Cheung’s aggressive defense of Trump garnered attention, complete with his signature sharp rhetoric. Known for attacking critics with biting remarks, Cheung has previously referred to Biden as someone who “shuffles around like he has a full diaper,” called Florida Governor Ron DeSantis a “desperate eunuch,” and dismissed Vice President Kamala Harris as a “stone-cold loser.”
Trump’s Communications Director: Loyalist and Attack Dog
Cheung, a veteran of Trump’s 2016 campaign and his spokesperson during the 2024 race, was recently announced as Trump’s pick for White House communications director. His unapologetically hostile style continues to serve as a hallmark of the Trump camp’s approach to media relations.
While Trump’s team seems eager to deflect health concerns, the spectacle highlights the tensions between the president-elect and the press. As speculation about his age and health persists, the incident underscores how Trump’s administration plans to continue clashing with the media while navigating public scrutiny.
