Trump Has Prepared a Secret Letter for Vance in Case of Death

It is a longstanding informal tradition for sitting U.S. presidents to leave private letters or guidance for their successors, though such letters are typically composed for incoming presidents during transitions rather than held in reserve during a term. The practice of preparing contingency communications reflects the unique pressures and security concerns of the presidency. The 25th Amendment to the Constitution provides the formal legal framework for presidential succession and transfer of power in cases of death, incapacitation, or removal. Vance, as vice president, would assume the presidency immediately upon Trump's death under that framework. A private letter would carry no constitutional weight but could hold personal or political significance.