Overview

• In a USA Today interview on Aug. 28, Vice President JD Vance said he is prepared to take over if necessary, citing roughly 200 days of on-the-job training.
• Vance emphasized that President Trump is in incredibly good health and said he expects the president to complete his term.
• The White House in July disclosed a diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency and said testing showed no deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease.
• Officials attributed visible bruising on Trump’s hand to frequent handshakes and aspirin use, describing it as minor soft tissue irritation.
• Vance, 41, downplayed talk of 2028 ambitions even as Trump has called him the most likely MAGA heir, a discussion shaped by renewed focus on succession after two 2024 assassination attempts.