vance-says-ready-for-presidency-if-tragedy-strikes

Vice President JD Vance has declared that his time in office has given him the necessary preparation to assume the presidency should a “terrible tragedy” befall Donald Trump, even as he emphasised the president’s “incredibly good health”.

 

In an interview with an American daily on Thursday, Vance sought to brush aside mounting speculation over Trump’s fitness to serve, given that the 79-year-old is the oldest American president to assume office.

 

“The president is in incredibly good health,” Vance said, expressing confidence that Trump would serve his full term. At the same time, he added, “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.”

 

At 41, Vance is one of the youngest vice presidents in US history and is increasingly seen as the most visible face of the post-Trump Republican future. Trump himself earlier this month described him as the “most likely” heir to his Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, intensifying speculation over his prospects in the 2028 presidential race.

Also read: Donald Trump hints JD Vance likely heir to MAGA

 

Vance, however, downplayed talk of long-term ambition. He said he and his wife, Usha, were focused entirely on the present. “If that door opens later on, we’ll figure it out then,” he remarked.

 

Democrats have repeatedly raised questions over Trump’s age and health, pointing to July reports that the president is suffering from chronic venous insufficiency, a vein condition that had sparked public debate after photographs showed bruises on his hand.

 

At the time, White House physician Sean Barbabella described the condition as “benign and common”, attributing it to “minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking”. Trump, for his part, has dismissed any doubts over his fitness, insisting he remains energetic and vigorous.

 

Vance’s comments underline both his loyalty to Trump and his readiness to step into the top job if fate demands it, placing him firmly at the centre of speculation about the Republican Party’s future.