Vance says he would assume the presidency if Trump cannot serve

Vice President JD Vance said Thursday he is prepared to assume the presidency if a "terrible tragedy" were to befall President Donald Trump, while insisting the 79 year old president remains in "incredibly good health" and full of energy. Vance made the comments in an interview with USA Today as questions about Mr. Trump’s fitness have resurfaced following recent photographs showing bruising on the president’s hand and earlier disclosures about swollen ankles.

"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, adding that Trump is "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, in his early 40s, also said his roughly 200 days in office have given him valuable "on the job training" and that he would be ready to step in if necessary.

The renewed scrutiny of Mr. Trump’s health follows a July White House disclosure that the president has chronic venous insufficiency, a common circulatory condition in older adults. The president’s physician, Sean...