What would happen to Melania if Donald Trump died in office
After Donald Trump was seen looking a little worse for wear in recent times, triggering rumours over his health, critics have been wondering what would happen to Melania if he were to die in office.
The POTUS has been seen with bruised hands and swollen legs during his ongoing second term of presidency, and also was the subject of a failed assassination attempt in 2024.
The White House has been disputing recent rumours that Trump had been hospitalised over Easter, and has repeatedly released details of medicals and physical exams to quash fears about the 79-year-old.
Communications director Steven Cheung said: "There has never been a President who has worked harder for the American people than President Trump.
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The White House added: "Fear not! President Trump literally never stops working."
Despite the consistent reassurance from government officials, people have been wondering if there's a protocol for First Lady Melania for if the worst happens - Trump passing away while in office.
What would happen to Melania if Trump died in office?
Melania is decades younger than Donald, at 55-years-old to his 79.
According to the 25th Amendment, Vice President JD Vance would become president, and his wife Usha Vance would take the title of first lady instantly.
In terms of moral expectations, in the wake of John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963, First Lady Jackie Kennedy played a major role when it came to planning her husband's funeral.
Given the size of the memorial after political activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed, it's safe to say that any event for Trump would be a huge affair.
Kennedy picked out her husband's final resting place in Arlington National Cemetery and requested an eternal flame be placed by his grave.
Melania deciding to have as much input would be a personal decision.
A source told PEOPLE last year that she 'couldn't care less how she looks politically, she doesn't believe she has obligations in the political world'.
Kennedy's wife was also required to move out of the White House less than two weeks later after he was killed, to allow the new president and his family to move in.
Other people were surprised by Melania's muted public response following the assassination attempt.
Trump spoke on Fox News' The Ingraham Angle about this very matter, saying of his wife: "She can't really even talk about it, which is okay, because that means she likes me or she loves me.
"Let's say if she could talk about it freely, that would be, I'm not so sure which is better but she either likes or loves me, that's nice."
This comes after Trump's diagnosis of a vein disease last year, in which White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed: "In the effort of transparency, the president wanted me to share a note from his physician with all of you today.
"In recent weeks, President Trump noted mild swelling in his lower legs. In keeping with routine medical care, and out of an abundance of caution, this concern was thoroughly evaluated by the White House medical unit.
"The president underwent a comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies, bilateral lower extremity, venous doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency … a common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70."
Topics: Politics, Donald Trump, Melania Trump, US News
Jen Thomas