Virendra Pandit
New Delhi: Amid growing concerns over US President Donald Trump’s health, and speculations that he might not complete his second term until 2028, his deputy, Vice-President J.D. Vance, said while the incumbent’s health is fine, he is ready to take charge as America’s Commander-in-Chief in case of any “tragedy.”
The Vice-President, 41, however, reassured that Trump, 79, is in “good shape” to complete his four-year term in the White House, the media reported on Friday.
In an interview with USA Today, Vance recalled setting foot in the Oval Office for the first time in January 2025 and being “overwhelmed by its grandeur and incredible history.”
Addressing concerns Trump’s health, the V-P said, “The President is in incredibly good health…He’s got incredible energy.”
“I feel very confident the President of the United States is in good shape, is going to serve out the remainder of his term and do great things for the American people.”
Vance’s remarks came amid growing concerns about Trump’s health after a large bruise was seen on the President’s hand during his meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. Aged 78 years and seven months in January 2025, Trump was the oldest president in US history to take the oath of office. His predecessor, Joe Biden, was 78 and two months when he assumed office in 2021.
Vance, the third-youngest Vice-President in US history, however, said that he’s prepared to take charge as the US President in case of any “terrible tragedy,” happening to Trump.
“…If, God forbid, there’s a terrible tragedy, I can’t think of better on-the-job training than what I’ve gotten over the last 200 days,” he told the media outlet.
Trump, earlier this month, called Vance his “most likely” heir to the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, but the Vice-President continued to brush off speculation about his 2028 plans.
Vance also commented on Trump’s “distinctive style” of decorating the White House and said he likes the way the Oval Office is redecorated.