JD Vance gives update on Donald Trump's health

Vice President JD Vance has assured the American public that President Donald Trump remains in good health as speculation continues to circulate about Trump's fitness.

Vance told USA Today that the president has "incredible energy" and health, and added that he is confident he could succeed Trump should a "terrible tragedy" befall the president, saying that his tenure as second to the commander-in-chief has provided him with incredible "on-the-job training."

Trump survived two assassination attempts within months of each other during the 2024 campaign.

Why It Matters

Last month, photos of the president's bruised hand circulated on social media, and the White House revealed that Trump had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), which his physician described as "benign and common."

However, new photos that emerged on social media this week showed more bruising on Trump's right hand, once again spurring conversations about the president's health as some have called for greater transparency about the issue.

Trump, at 78 years and 220 days old, was the oldest man to assume the office of the president, followed by Joe Biden, who was 78 years and 61 days old during his inauguration, followed by Trump at the start of his first administration at 70 years and 220 days. Trump turned 79 on June 14 this year, and his age continues to raise concerns about his long-term health and fitness, especially after that issue led to Biden's exit from the 2024 presidential election.

Vice President J.D. Vance arrives at La Crosse Regional Airport before an event at Mid-City Steel on August 28, 2025, in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

What To Know

Vance sat down for an interview with USA Today that was published Thursday, discussing various aspects of his job as the understudy to arguably the most powerful person on the planet.

The interview touched on a range of subjects, focusing mainly on Vance's role as the man who has to go out and hit the streets to help sell the president's vision in the face of much public scrutiny and pushback on several policies. As USA Today described it, Vance relies on his "middle-class bona fides" to help turn public opinion and "make sure that people are aware of what's actually in this legislation," referring to Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill."

Among policy pushback and high-profile incidents such as arguing with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office, Vance addressed Trump's health.

"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 said, stressing that the president is in "incredibly good health" and has "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," Vance said.

Vance also made clear that he is confident he can step in and take the reins as president should "a terrible tragedy" befall Trump, saying, "I can't think of better on-the-job training than what I've gotten over the last 200 days."

"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," Vance added.

What People Are Saying

Sean Barbabella, the president's physician, in a July memo: "The president underwent a comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies. Bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70."

Fox Sports host Colin Cowherd, on X: "As Americas Honesty Broker I must say this — Democrats pointing out Trumps swollen hand as a major health concern is pretty rich. Joe Biden was a walking bowl of oatmeal for three years and the lefts response "nothing to see here."

Social media personality Brian Krassenstein, on X: "Something appears seriously wrong with Trump's health. Imagine if Biden had these large contusions on him. It's time for the man who will be the oldest president in history to be removed from office. 8647!"

Update 8/28/25, 2:53 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.