Here’s what happens immediately if President Donald Trump dies whilst in office

President Donald Trump is set to make an announcement from the Oval Office today at 2pm EST (7pm UK time), and this is all coming amid growing concerns around Trump’s health. Since Donald Trump was pictured with bruising on his hand and the diagnosis that the president has chronic venous insufficiency, the rumours spiralled out of control over the weekend with “Trump is dead” trending on X. Apart from a picture captured yesterday, Donald Trump hasn’t been seen in a working or public capacity for nearly a week. With the concerns regarding the president’s health, here’s what happens and what the actual process would be if Donald Trump dies in office.

There is strict guidance to follow

The US Constitution is explicit: if a sitting president dies, the vice president assumes the presidency immediately. This has happened eight times in American history, most famously in 1963, when Lyndon B Johnson was sworn in aboard Air Force One just hours after John F Kennedy’s assassination. Traditionally, the emphasis has always been on a smooth transfer of power, but Trump’s presidency has raised questions about whether that process would proceed as seamlessly today.

As is written in the 25th Amendment: “In case of the removal of the president from office or of his death or resignation, the vice president shall become president. Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the vice president, the president shall nominate a vice president who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress.”

Trump is set to make an announcement from the Oval Office at 2pm EST amid health rumors. pic.twitter.com/uZcmZUEutd

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) September 2, 2025

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Basically, JD Vance would immediately become president and then he would elect a new vice president. On discussing what happens regarding becoming president if Donald Trump dies, Vance recently said “God forbid there’s a terrible tragedy, I can’t think of better training than what I’ve gotten.” This contributed to the Trump rumours greatly.

Would there be an election? 

There isn’t an election if Trump dies. The new president, aka Vance, would serve the remainder of the term. A regular presidential election still occurs at the next scheduled date, but there’s no special nationwide vote just because Trump died.

We now have more info on what Trump’s announcement today will be

Whilst many have rumoured that the Oval Office announcement today would be connected to all the rumours around Donald Trump and his health, Trump’s aides have allegedly confirmed to Politico it is defence related. “The President will be making an exciting announcement related to the Department of Defense,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed.

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Featured image via Aaron Schwartz – Pool via CNP/Shutterstock