Trump’s Team Rebukes Reporter Over Mar-a-Lago Ambulance Rumor

President-elect Donald Trump’s communications director sharply criticized the media for spreading a misleading story about Trump’s health. The controversy arose after a reporter posted claims on social media about ambulances leaving Mar-a-Lago on Thursday evening.

“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. F***ing dummy,” Steven Cheung stated on X.

Cheung’s comments came in response to posts by Andrew Feinberg, White House correspondent for The Independent. At 4:16 p.m. ET, Feinberg reported on X that a CBS TV pool near Mar-a-Lago had observed “about 20-25 cars, two ambulances, and a helicopter hovering above” Trump’s estate. He added that the vehicles departed shortly thereafter.

It was later clarified that there was no emergency involving Trump or anyone else. The ambulances were part of the motorcade for JD Vance.

Feinberg corrected his initial report on X about 30 minutes later, 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.”

The Secret Service confirmed these details, debunking the speculation.

“We are not tracking any Secret Service-directed medical transports from Mar-a-Lago, and from our personnel on the ground,” Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi wrote on X. “There are no issues or concerns with any Secret Service protectees on property.”

This incident unfolded as a majority of registered voters expressed approval of Trump’s performance leading up to his second term in office, according to a new poll.

The Harvard CAPS/Harris poll revealed that 54% of respondents approve of Trump’s leadership, compared to 40% who disapprove. This strong approval rating is bolstered by 91% support among Republicans, 49% from independents, and 22% of Democrats, according to The Hill.

Trump is transitioning into office and will be sworn in on January 20. He has made several key Cabinet nominations, including Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) as Secretary of State and Representative Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) as United Nations Ambassador.

More polarizing picks include former Representative Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) for Attorney General and Fox News host Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense.

The poll indicated that Trump’s approval crosses several demographics, with majorities among individuals aged 18 to 54. Among those aged 55 to 64, more respondents approved than disapproved, though a slight majority of those aged 65 and older expressed disapproval.

At 54%, Trump’s approval as president-elect is notably higher than President Biden’s 42% rating in the same poll.

Biden’s approval has remained steady in recent months but dipped into the upper 30s before his decision to withdraw from the 2024 race in July. Vice President Kamala Harris has consistently polled below Biden.

During Trump’s presidency, his approval rating in Gallup polls never exceeded 50%, peaking at 49% on a few occasions. Pollster Mark Penn highlighted the significance of the recent numbers for Trump’s ability to govern effectively.

“It’s a good start. He is above 50 in job approval so far — it will be important for him to stay above that level to govern effectively,” Penn told The Hill.

The poll also noted a rise in approval for the Republican Party, increasing from 46% to 49%, while Democratic Party approval fell from 47% to 44%.

Additionally, only 26% of voters believe the country is on the right track, reflecting a 4-point drop from the previous month.