JD Vance says he’s been getting “good training” and is ready to lead if Trump’s health declines
Vice President JD Vance is firm that President Donald Trump’s health is strong, but says he is fully prepared to take over should circumstances require it.
In an interview with USA Today, Vance, 41, was asked about the possibility of assuming the presidency before Trump’s term ends. He responded that the past seven months had given him “good on-the-job training” to be ready if he ever had to step in. Still, he stressed that such a moment is not expected anytime soon.
“The president is in incredibly good health,” Vance said. “He’s got incredible energy.”
Others, however, remain skeptical. Former national security adviser John Bolton, a sharp Trump critic, claimed the president looked “tired” during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, pointing out that Trump struggled to walk steadily at the event.
Concerns have also been fueled by visible bruises on Trump’s hands—marks he has attempted to cover with makeup—as well as repeated slip-ups in public, including forgetting details about conflicts he has claimed to have resolved.
Trump, who became the oldest U.S. president ever sworn in at age 78, has faced comparisons to former President Joe Biden, who was also 78 on Inauguration Day but several months younger. Biden’s reduced visibility during the latter part of his presidency intensified speculation about his health. Those doubts culminated during a primetime debate in which Biden faltered on stage, before later announcing a prostate cancer diagnosis.
Trump’s own health questions have only grown louder. On Aug. 12, he twice said he was heading to Russia to meet Putin—though the summit was held in Alaska. At the same event, he called the city of St. Petersburg by its Cold War-era name, “Leningrad.”
Just days later, Trump appeared confused when Finnish President Alexander Stubb sat directly across from him at the White House, failing to recognize him despite the official visit.
In response to the speculation, the White House enlisted Trump’s former physician Ronny Jackson to defend him. Jackson, now a Republican congressman, claimed the fast-food–loving president is “the healthiest president this nation has ever seen.” However, Jackson’s credibility has been questioned, as he no longer holds a full medical license and was demoted from his military rank following misconduct scandals.
Health concerns became more pronounced in July when the White House revealed Trump had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition where faulty vein valves cause blood to pool in the legs. The announcement came after images of Trump’s swollen ankles spread widely online.
Since then, additional photos have highlighted worsening bruising on his hands. Initially attributed to aspirin use and frequent handshakes, the explanation has come under scrutiny after bruises began appearing on his left hand as well—his non-dominant hand, which he rarely uses for greetings.
Trump continues to appear in public while downplaying questions about his health, but critics and observers remain divided on whether the visible signs are minor issues—or early warnings of something more serious.
