Whether you love him or hate him, Donald Trump remains one of the most talked-about men on the planet - but what would happen if he were to suddenly pass away?
So much has happened in the last few weeks, but you might remember the rumor that swept through social media that the President had died.
But the temporary disappearance, coupled with comments from Vice President JD Vance and concerns about the president's appearance in recent months, has reignited public curiosity about what happens if a sitting president were to die in office.
Over America’s 248-year history, only eight presidents have died while in office - four by assassination, and four from natural causes.
The last was President John F. Kennedy in 1963, whose assassination led to a constitutional amendment to clarify presidential succession.
Now, with Trump beginning his second term earlier this year and speculation mounting over visible bruising on his hands, the question seems more relevant than ever: what exactly happens if the president dies during their term?
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The 25th Amendment ensures immediate transition of power
Following JFK’s death, the U.S. ratified the 25th Amendment, which clearly outlines the next steps. It states: “The Vice President shall become President if the President is removed from office, dies, or resigns.”
In Trump’s case, that means Vice President JD Vance would immediately be informed and sworn in as president. Only after this would the public be notified, at which point national flags would be lowered to half-staff for a minimum of 30 days, per the Mirror.
Vance would also be required to nominate a new vice president - an appointment that must be approved by majority vote in both the House and the Senate.
Should the vice president be unable to take the top job, the Speaker of the House, currently Mike Johnson, would be next in line.
Ceremonial honors: From Capitol Rotunda to a 50-gun salute
If a president were to die outside Washington, D.C., their body would be returned to the capital, most likely to lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda, per the Economic Times.
This would allow the public to pay respects in a solemn, televised ceremony, similar to what was seen following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing in 2022.
Although the president is a government employee, the funeral itself is a private affair, organized by the family.
Services could last several days to a week and would be broadcast globally, with heads of state from around the world in attendance. A 50-gun salute - one for each U.S. state - would mark the moment.