Donald Trump is currently serving his second term as President of the United States and became the oldest person ever inaugurated into the role. While Joe Biden still holds the record for being the oldest person to take office, Trump was slightly older when beginning his second term at 78 years and seven months. Throughout American history, eight U.S. presidents have died while in office—four from natural causes and four through assassination. Because of Trump’s age and several security incidents in recent years, discussions have grown about what would happen if a president were to die while serving.

One of the most widely reported incidents occurred in July 2024, when gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks fired shots from a rooftop during a rally, grazing Trump’s ear and killing a supporter behind him. Months later, another armed suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, was arrested after being discovered with a rifle near Trump’s Palm Beach golf course.

If a U.S. president dies, resigns, or becomes unable to perform their duties, the process is governed by the Presidential Succession Act of 1947. Under this law, the vice president immediately becomes president. In this case, JD Vance would be sworn in as soon as possible. The line of succession would then continue with the Speaker of the House, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Secretary of State.

After taking office, Vance could keep the existing cabinet or appoint new members. He would also nominate a new vice president under the Twenty-fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution, though both houses of Congress would need to approve the choice. How long a successor could serve would depend on how much time remained in the presidential term, according to the Twenty-second Amendment to the United States Constitution.