Overview

• In a USA Today interview published Thursday, Vice President JD Vance praised the 79-year-old president’s “incredibly good” health and “incredible energy.”
• Vance said his 200 days in office have provided strong preparation and that he could take over “if, God forbid, there’s a terrible tragedy.”
• The White House says swelling in Trump’s lower legs reflects chronic venous insufficiency, which the physician described as benign and common with no evidence of arterial disease or systemic illness.
• Officials attribute the hand bruise to frequent, forceful handshakes and aspirin use, noting it was later covered with foundation, a point Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated Friday.
• New images this week showing a bruised right hand revived social media scrutiny of Trump’s health, and coverage recalls two 2024 assassination attempts as context for the administration’s emphasis on readiness.