Vance: I’m ready to take over from Trump if tragedy strikes

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance said he is prepared to step into the presidency if an unexpected tragedy strikes Donald Trump, though he stressed the 79-year-old president remains in strong health.

In an interview with USA Today, Vance said his 200 days in office had given him invaluable preparation.

“If, God forbid, there’s a terrible tragedy, I can’t think of better on-the-job training than what I’ve gotten,” he said.

Vance, 41, the third-youngest vice president in U.S. history, acknowledged Trump’s age but praised his stamina.

“He’s got incredible energy. He’s the last one making phone calls at night and the first one making them in the morning,” Vance noted, adding that at times younger aides struggled to keep up.

Questions about Trump’s health surfaced last month after the White House disclosed he suffers from chronic venous insufficiency, a circulatory condition that causes ankle swelling. Officials also explained visible bruising on his hand as minor irritation from handshaking and aspirin use.

Trump, who has already survived two assassination attempts during the 2024 campaign, remains the oldest president ever sworn into office.

Vance, a former senator with limited experience before being elevated to the vice presidency, has quickly become one of Trump’s most prominent defenders, serving as both attack dog on television and chief messenger for the administration’s domestic agenda.

Despite speculation, Vance said he was confident Trump would “serve out the remainder of his term and do great things for the American people.”