US Vice President JD Vance has stated he is ready to assume the presidency if a tragedy were to befall Donald Trump, describing his time in office as invaluable on-the-job training. In an interview with USA TODAY, Vance said he was confident that President Trump would complete his term, but acknowledged the constitutional requirement for preparedness.
“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,” Vance told White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers. He added: “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.”
Vance’s comments come amid renewed scrutiny of Trump’s health, following visible bruising on his hands and swollen ankles. The White House has attributed these to the president’s demanding schedule and a benign condition called chronic venous insufficiency. Vance insisted Trump was in “incredibly good health” with “incredible energy”.
Under the 25th Amendment, the vice president succeeds the president in the event of death, resignation, or removal from office. Nine vice presidents have taken over mid-term, the most recent being Calvin Coolidge in 1923. Vance also received a strong endorsement from Trump, who told Fox News that the vice president was “most likely” the heir apparent to the Make America Great Again movement.
When asked if he would clear the Republican field for Vance, Trump replied: “Well, I think most likely. In all fairness, he's the vice president, and I think Marco [Rubio] is also somebody that maybe would get together with JD in some form.” The remarks signal Trump’s backing of Vance as the future standard-bearer for his political agenda.
