Vice President JD Vance downplayed speculation about succeeding Trump, insisting the president remains energetic despite age and health concerns.
Vice President JD Vance says he is not preparing to take over the presidency despite concerns about Donald Trump’s age and health. Speaking to USA TODAY on Aug. 27, Vance recalled first noticing the Oval Office drapes as “dark and gloomy,” but dismissed speculation about measuring them for his future use.
“I’ve gotten a lot of good on-the-job training over the last 200 days,” he said when asked if he was ready to assume command.
At 78, Trump is the oldest U.S. president ever sworn in. The White House revealed in July that he had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, though physician Sean Barbabella described it as “benign and common.”
Vance praised Trump’s stamina, saying: “He’s the last person making phone calls at night, and the first person in the morning.”
Referencing past assassination attempts, Vance said he was confident Trump would complete his term, adding, “If, God forbid, there’s a terrible tragedy, I can’t think of better on-the-job training.”