JD Vance says he’s ready to lead if ‘terrible tragedy’ strikes Trump during presidency

WASHINGTON, DC: Vice President JD Vance says he’s fully prepared to step into the role of president if a tragedy were to befall President Donald Trump.

In an interview with USA Today, Vance firmly rejected concerns about Trump’s health and dismissed speculation about taking over before the term ends.

He emphasized that his first seven months as vice president have served as strong on-the-job training, giving him the confidence and readiness to lead if necessary

JD Vance stands firm in doing 'great things' for American people

Vice President JD Vance expressed confidence in both his readiness to lead the nation and in President Donald Trump’s health, saying he is prepared to step in if necessary, but emphasized that such a scenario remains unlikely.

In an interview with USA Today, Vance responded candidly when asked whether he was ready to assume the presidency should tragedy strike. “Yes, terrible tragedies happen,” he said. “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.”

Trump, now 79, faced two unprecedented assassination attempts during his 2024 campaign. Since taking office in January, the Secret Service has significantly increased his security. Despite his age, Trump continues to show what Vance described as “incredible energy and good health.”

“Most people around the president are younger than he is,” Vance said. “But he’s always the last one making calls at night and the first one working in the morning.”

At just 41 years old, Vance is one of the youngest vice presidents in modern history. He said his first seven months in office have served as intense preparation for the responsibilities of the presidency. “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,” he added.

When asked about future presidential ambitions, specifically a possible 2028 run, Vance laughed and shared that both he and his wife, Usha Vance, are focused on the present. “I think she thinks what I think, which is lets focus on the job we have right now, lets do as good a job as possible, and if that door opens later on, we'll figure it out then,” he said. 

Internet reacts to JD Vance’s claim that he is ready to lead as president

The video of JD Vance declaring his readiness to assume the presidency if needed quickly went viral across social media, sparking a wave of mixed reactions.

Critics were quick to express skepticism and concern. One user wrote, “He’s going to be worse. Much worse.”

Another commented in disbelief, “LOL, why would he say that? 🤔 Also has he even worked on his golf game? He thinks he can step in for Trump?”

A person harshly remarked, “Seriously?!!! Before this election, he had zero experience that would prepare him for president, and he thinks that 200 days (most of which he was on holidays) prepares him for that job?!!! What an idiot.”

One bluntly asked, “He's been on seven vacations! what did he learn?"

Supporters, however, welcomed Vance’s statement, with one writing, “Love to hear it!”

Another posted, “No one can keep up with President Trump and he’s pushing 80 … that’s about as healthy as you can get. Physically, emotionally and mentally challenging … but not for him! He’s a remarkable man— a gift to humanity to take on this fight for humanity."

Some commenters took a more measured tone. “We don’t want that to happen, but if it does it's good to know someone competent can step right in. Scary to think if we were in that alternate universe rn,” one person said.

A supporter added confidently, “JD will be our President one day! He’s going to be just as great as President Trump.”

Rising concerns about Trump’s health

Donald Trump made history on January 20 by becoming the oldest US president ever inaugurated, taking office at 78.

Although Vance confidently defended Trump’s health, concerns about the president’s condition continue to grow.

In July, the White House confirmed that Trump had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a circulatory condition caused by failing leg vein valves, which leads to blood pooling and swelling. The announcement followed the circulation of viral photos showing Trump’s ankles appearing severely swollen.

John Bolton, a former national security adviser and longtime Trump critic, claimed that the commander-in-chief looked “tired” during his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to Bolton, Trump struggled to walk in a straight line along the red carpet, raising questions about his physical state.

Observers have also pointed to visible bruises on Trump’s hands, which he has reportedly attempted to conceal with makeup, as well as several mental lapses, including instances where he forgot conflicts he previously claimed to have resolved. These signs have further fueled speculation about the president’s well-being.

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.