The concerns about Donald Trump’s health are once again making headlines—his swollen ankles, his zig-zagging walk, his bruised hand, and his rambling speeches. But fear not, because Vice President J.D. Vance says he’s ready to step in.
In an interview with USA Today, Vance declared, “I’ve gotten a lot of good on-the-job training over the last 200 days. And if, God forbid, there’s a terrible tragedy, I can’t think of better on-the-job training than what I’ve gotten over the last 200 days.”
The remark sparked questions about what, exactly, Vance has accomplished in those 200 days. Critics point out that his most memorable moments have been scolding others to “show gratitude.” He tried lecturing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on being more thankful for U.S. aid—even though Zelenskyy has repeatedly expressed thanks. He also told New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, an immigrant from Uganda, to be more appreciative of America. And for queer Americans, the stakes could be even higher. Vance has a record of belittling women and mocking childless people, once suggesting they just keep cats for company.
He has aligned himself with anti-LGBTQ+ forces in the administration, which is already seeking to roll back equality. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has called for purging queer people from the military—raising disturbing questions about what that would mean if Vance, once rumored to have struggled with his own sexuality, became Commander-in-Chief. Vance may see a “terrible tragedy” as his ticket to the presidency. But critics warn the real tragedy could be what happens if he ever takes the oath of office.
