Speculation is growing that Vice President JD Vance could assume the presidency before the end of 2025 amid what one commentator calls a “very drastic situation” involving President Donald Trump. In a recent TikTok video, political analyst Josh Greene laid out two major reasons why Trump may not finish his second term: ongoing controversies tied to Jeffrey Epstein and a newly disclosed health issue.
“Now, why am I saying this?” Greene asked in his viral video. “Well, between Donald Trump’s Epstein file scandal and his recent health diagnosis – he now has a chronic vein condition, which is causing swelling in his hands and ankles – this is a very drastic situation.”
The Epstein-related controversy resurfaced after The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump once sent the disgraced financier a 50th birthday card with the message: “May every day be another wonderful secret,” accompanied by a nude illustration. Trump has denied the story and responded via his social media platform, Truth Social.
However, the absence of any released Epstein files, which Trump had promised to disclose during his 2024 campaign, has only intensified scrutiny. Adding to concerns is Trump’s health. On July 17, the White House confirmed the 79-year-old president was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition often seen in individuals over 70.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the diagnosis as benign, yet images of Trump struggling to fit into his shoes due to foot swelling have raised further alarm. Greene speculated that this may mark the start of a new phase in the conservative Project 2025 initiative, suggesting that Trump could step aside, paving the way for his Vice President, JD Vance, described by Greene as “[Peter] Thiel’s man” to take over.
“This is all purely speculation,” Greene emphasized, “but there are signs to suggest Donald Trump will not be able to finish his term.” However, Greene expressed doubts about Vance’s potential presidency, saying, “Do I think JD Vance is going to do a better job than Donald Trump? Absolutely not – I think he is going to be even more beholden to tech oligarchs who will really be controlling his every move.”
Reactions online have been polarized. Critics on TikTok called Vance “Trump with a fresher face” and warned, “God help us. He is worse than Trump.” One user added, “Vance has the charisma of a bag of rocks.” Yet Trump loyalists remain undeterred, with one commenter insisting, “President Trump is fine and we hope he stays for a third term.” Another declared: “There is no bright future without President Trump.”