Overview

• In an exclusive USA TODAY interview on Aug. 27, Vice President JD Vance said he is prepared to assume the presidency "if, God forbid, there's a terrible tragedy," citing roughly 200 days of on-the-job training.
• Vance lauded President Donald Trump's condition, calling him "in incredibly good health" with "incredible energy."
• He said he is very confident Trump will complete his term and "do great things for the American people."
• Scrutiny of Trump’s age and health intensified after photos showed leg swelling, which the White House in July attributed to chronic venous insufficiency and characterized as common and benign.
• Continuity concerns persist after two 2024 assassination attempts on Trump, including a July shooting that grazed his ear and a September rifle threat thwarted by the Secret Service.