The Potential Future Presidency of JD Vance: Speculations and Implications
As of November 24, 2024, the Electoral College has not yet met. This article explores the potential scenario where JD Vance, a Republican politician, could become President should a number of complex and hypothetical events unfold. The article discusses the legal and political implications of such a scenario and the steps that would be required for the transition.
Legal Framework and Presidential Succession
If Trump is Re-elected and Something Happens to Him
The article suggests that if Donald Trump is re-elected and something happens to him before the Electoral College (EC) meets, JD Vance, who is currently the Vice President elect, would likely become the President. According to the U.S. Constitution and historical precedents, if the leading candidate dies before the EC meets, his electors would not be required to vote for him. Therefore, the Republican Party would likely select an alternative candidate and ask their electors to vote for that person.
Subsequent Presidential Transition
Furthermore, if Donald Trump were to die after the EC votes but before the inauguration, the U.S. Constitution clearly states that JD Vance would take the oath as President on January 20th. Vance would then need to nominate a replacement for Vice President under the provisions of the 25th Amendment.
However, if Trump were to die between the EC voting and the Congress counting the votes, the situation becomes ambiguous. The votes for Trump were validly cast because he was alive when the EC voted. This raises the question of whether those votes would stand, or if there might be a decision that no candidate has received a majority, leading to the House of Representatives electing the President. The complexity here is further exacerbated by the fact that if the only other valid candidate is Kamala Harris, it might be politically unfeasible for the Republicans to accept her as President.
Potential Speculations and Speculation
The article emphasizes that without the EC meeting and with no clear constitutional provision for such an event, much speculation surrounds the potential chaos and legal challenges that could arise. The process of selecting a successor could involve the electors, Congress, and the Supreme Court, each with its own set of rules and political motivations.
For instance, the scenario of a conspiracy to kill Trump for JD Vance to become President is highly speculative and unlikely. Historically, such a scenario would likely face significant legal and political hurdles before it could be implemented.
Current Status and Future Possibilities
Until inauguration day, Joe Biden remains the President. As the Electoral College does not actually vote until December 17, 2024, the newly elected Congress must be sworn in on January 3rd. Congress will then certify the electoral college votes on January 6th. No one is officially sworn into office until January 20th, the day of the inauguration.
The article concludes by noting that the process for a President-elect who dies might depend on the timing of the death and the decisions of the electors and Congress. It is also suggested that there would need to be reassurance that JD Vance, or whoever the Vice President elect is, did not murder the President-elect in a coup. If such a scenario were to occur, JD Vance would likely be rejected and would be arrested for murder.
Both President Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance are old enough men to die at any time, making such speculation a matter of concern. Kamala Harris could very well be made President a few days before the inauguration if Joe Biden were to die suddenly. However, any speculation of a conspiracy to kill Trump is more logically expected after the inauguration, as it would provide more of an opportunity to implement the desired outcome.
Conclusion
The potential scenario of JD Vance becoming President is highly speculative and contingent on a series of complex and unlikely events. This situation has never happened before, and the legal and political implications are significant.