US Vice President J.D. Vance has indicated he is ready to take over as president should President Donald Trump be incapacitated.
Trump, who is 79 years old, has endured at least two assassination attempts in recent months, sparking concerns and conversations about potential replacements within the Republican Party. During an interview with USA Today, Vance addressed the possibility of succession, acknowledging Trump’s continued vigor and effectiveness. Despite Trump’s age and the recent security incidents, Vance remains confident in his mentor’s ability to complete the term. However, he also expressed readiness to step in if necessary, citing his hands-on experience in the vice presidency. The discussion comes amid heightened security measures and increased scrutiny of Trump’s health and safety following the two assassination attempts.
The first incident occurred in July 2024 at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where shots grazed Trump’s upper right ear and injured several others before the assailant was neutralized by the Secret Service. A member of the crowd and the attacker were killed. A second assassination plot followed on September 15 at Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, where an armed suspect was apprehended before firing a shot.
These events have led to increased security protocols and a reassessment of the president’s security detail. Trump himself has spoken about the necessity of having a capable successor, noting that Vance is ‘probably favored’ for the 2028 Republican nomination. He has also suggested that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is another potential successor. Vance, who served as a US senator for Ohio between 2023 and 2025, has previously hinted at a possible 2028 presidential run, though he emphasized the need to discuss it with Trump first. The political landscape is now under scrutiny as the possibility of a presidential transition looms over the current administration.