Vance Confident in Trump’s Health, But Ready to Lead if Needed
Vice President JD Vance addressed questions about President Donald Trump’s age and health this week, emphasizing that the president remains in “incredibly good health” while also stressing his own readiness to assume leadership if circumstances ever required it.
In an interview with USA Today published Friday, Vance dismissed concerns that Trump’s age—79 as of June—has hindered his ability to govern effectively. Instead, Vance painted a picture of a president full of energy, sharp focus, and relentless drive.
“The president is in incredibly good health,” Vance said. “He’s got incredible energy. He’s the last person making phone calls at night, and he’s the first person who wakes up, and the first person making phone calls in the morning.”
One Heartbeat Away
The interviewer noted that Vance, just 40 years old, is one of the youngest vice presidents in U.S. history and just “one heartbeat away from the presidency.” Asked if he was prepared to take on the role of commander-in-chief should tragedy strike, Vance did not hesitate.
“Yes, things can always happen. Yes, terrible tragedies happen,” he said. “But 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.”
Still, he acknowledged the gravity of being second-in-command. “And 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,” Vance added.
The President’s Health Record
Questions about Trump’s health reemerged last month after photographs circulated showing bruising on his hand and reports of mild swelling in his legs.
Sean Barbabella, physician to the president, issued a memo clarifying the situation. According to Barbabella, Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition among older adults that can cause leg swelling. The bruising, he explained, was “consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin,” which Trump takes as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen.
The memo reassured both the public and Trump’s allies, framing the conditions as non-serious and typical for someone his age.
Energy Inside the White House
Vance’s comments echoed what many of Trump’s supporters have observed: a president who maintains a rigorous schedule despite his age. Accounts from staff describe Trump as someone who thrives on long workdays, often calling advisers late at night and resuming calls early the next morning.
This image of vitality has become central to Trump’s political messaging, particularly as Democrats highlight concerns about aging leaders and presidential stamina. Vance, with his youth and vigor, balances that narrative by representing continuity should unforeseen circumstances arise.
Planning for the Midterms
While health questions swirl, Trump remains focused on the political calendar. In a move that caught even some allies by surprise, he floated the idea of hosting a Republican National Convention-style event ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said Trump personally pitched the idea to him by phone during a trip to Detroit.
“I was in Detroit yesterday morning. He called me 15 minutes before that truth and he said, ‘Mike, I’ve got a great idea.’ Let’s have it. I’m so excited about this,” Johnson recalled during an interview on Fox News.
Johnson embraced the plan immediately. “I think that would be such a great rallying point right before the midterm election for us to tout all the great successes we’ve had,” he said.
A Bold, Unprecedented Move
On his Truth Social platform, Trump expanded on the idea, boasting of the GOP’s financial strength and growing membership. “We have raised far more money than the Democrats, and are having a great time fixing all of the Country Destroying mistakes made by the Biden Administration, and watching the USA heal and prosper,” he wrote.
“In that light, I am thinking of recommending a National Convention to the Republican Party, just prior to the Midterms. It has never been done before. STAY TUNED!!!”
Johnson quickly endorsed the concept online, posting, “YES, Mr. President! Let’s go!!!!” accompanied by American flag emojis.
The proposal, if implemented, would mark the first time a sitting president and party leadership staged a full-scale convention outside of a presidential election year. It reflects Trump’s instinct for showmanship and his strategy of keeping the Republican base energized heading into critical elections.
Looking Ahead
For Vance, the dual narrative of Trump’s robust health and his own preparedness strikes a careful balance. It reassures voters that Trump remains vigorous enough to lead, while also projecting stability should the unexpected occur.
As the administration pushes forward with its agenda, Trump’s health will remain a recurring question, especially as the president enters his eighties during this term. But with strong statements from both his physician and his vice president, the message from the White House is clear: the president is fit, active, and still driving the party’s momentum.
