If Donald Trump were to die, resign, or become unable to serve while in office, there would be no constitutional vacuum and no power struggle. The moment his presidency ends, JD Vance, as vice president, would automatically become president and be sworn in as soon as possible. This is not theoretical guesswork; it is a tested system. Eight times in U.S. history, a president has died in office, and each time the vice president has stepped in and taken the oath, preserving continuity.

Once in office, President Vance would be free to shape his own administration, either retaining Trump’s cabinet or replacing key figures. He would then nominate a new vice president, who must be confirmed by both the House and Senate. His future on the ballot would hinge on timing: serving more than two years of Trump’s term would limit him to one elected term; less than two years would leave him eligible for two. Through it all, elections would proceed on schedule, and the machinery of government would keep turning.