The phrase “Trump Is Dead” has been trending on X (formerly Twitter) for the past few days, drawing widespread attention. The trend did not emerge from any official announcement but instead from a mix of public speculation, recent political remarks, and comments from The Simpsons creator Matt Groening.

The timing of the trend coincided with an interview of Vice President JD Vance with USA Today on August 27. Vance was asked if he was ready to step into the role of commander in chief in case of a “terrible tragedy.” Responding, he said Donald Trump, who is 79, remained active and energetic but added that unforeseen events could not be ruled out.

If there’s a terrible tragedy, I am Ready: JD Vance

“He’s 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 told USA Today. He added, “Yes, terrible tragedies happen. But 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. 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.”

Vance’s comments about succession, paired with Trump’s health-related updates in recent months, appear to have fueled the trend.

Young vice president, oldest president

Trump, at 79, is the oldest person ever sworn in as president. Vance is the third-youngest vice president in US history, but he insisted that Trump continues to show stamina in his role.

“He’s got incredible energy, and while most of the people that work around the president of the United States are younger than he is, I think that we find that he actually is the last person who goes to sleep, he’s 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 said.

Trump Health update

The White House confirmed last month that Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a blood circulation condition, after he experienced mild swelling in his lower legs. Despite this, aides and allies continue to say he remains fit for office.In July, the White House confirmed Trump has chronic venous insufficiency, a vein condition that causes swelling in the legs. Even before the announcement, photos showing his swollen legs had circulated online, prompting speculation about his health. Trump also survived two assassination attempts during his campaign ahead of returning to the White House.

Trump Death: The Simpsons connection

The speculation gained further traction following remarks from Matt Groening at San Diego Comic-Con in July. According to Variety, cited by Euronews, Groening dismissed the possibility of The Simpsons ending soon but added a line that drew strong reactions.

“No, there’s no end in sight. We’re going to keep going. We’re going to go until somebody dies,” Groening said. He added, “When you-know-who dies, The Simpsons predicts that there will be dancing in the streets. Except President (J.D.) Vance will ban dancing.”

The animated series has a history of uncanny predictions about Trump, including his election victory in 2000 and a re-election storyline in 2015.

Past rumours of Trump death

This is not the first time false reports about Trump’s death have spread online. In September 2023, Donald Trump Jr.’s X account was hacked, and the hacker posted a message claiming his father had died and that he would run for president. The claim was quickly dismissed after Trump posted on Truth Social to confirm he was alive.

What happens if a sitting US president dies in office?

If a sitting US president dies while in office, the country has a clear line of succession. The vice president immediately becomes the president and serves the remainder of the term. This is laid out in the US Constitution and further detailed in the Presidential Succession Act.

Vice president takes over

The 25th Amendment to the Constitution makes it clear that the vice president is the first in line. There is no need for a fresh election at the moment of succession. The transfer of power is automatic to ensure there is no gap in leadership.

Order of succession beyond vice president

If both the president and vice president are unable to serve, the Speaker of the House of Representatives is next in line. After that, the succession moves to the Senate president pro tempore and then through the Cabinet, beginning with the Secretary of State.

Historical precedents

This has happened several times in American history. For example, after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in as president. Similarly, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt died in 1945, Vice President Harry S. Truman took over.

Role of the 25th Amendment

The 25th Amendment, ratified in 1967, also provides clarity on situations where a president is alive but unable to carry out duties due to illness or incapacity. In such cases, the vice president serves as acting president until the president can return to office.

No immediate election

Importantly, the death of a sitting president does not trigger an immediate election. The successor continues in office until the end of the current term, unless a new election is already scheduled under the regular cycle.