Overview

• In a late‑August USA Today interview, Vice President JD Vance said President Trump is in "incredibly good health" with "incredible energy" and expressed confidence he will complete his term.
• Vance emphasized he is prepared to take over "if, God forbid, there's a terrible tragedy," citing roughly 200 days of on‑the‑job experience as practical preparation.
• New images circulating this week showing a bruise on Trump's hand renewed public questions about his fitness and prompted calls for greater transparency.
• The White House and the presidential physician reiterated that Trump has chronic venous insufficiency, described as benign and common, and said hand bruising stems from frequent handshakes plus aspirin use, with tests ruling out deep vein thrombosis and arterial disease.
• At 79, Trump is the oldest person sworn in as president, and recent political chatter about succession includes his remark earlier this month that Vance is most likely his MAGA heir for 2028.