In a recent report, Vanity Fair's special correspondent Gabriel Sherman reported that the "unclear" health condition of the US President Donald Trump, ever since he tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday morning, has inspired many people to discuss the fate of the presidency over the next few weeks prior to the November elections.
Sources: Trump had heart palpitations on Friday, a possible negative side effect of Regeneron antibody treatment. His fever reached 103. And a G7 ally wonders if he’ll appoint Ivanka president instead of Pence. My latest:
— Gabriel Sherman (@gabrielsherman) October 3, 2020
https://t.co/ND8zVtyodU
Sherman has cited an outside White House adviser, who said that "a high-level government official from a G-7 country" has questioned whether President Trump will be trying to appoint his eldest daughter Ivanka to run the country instead of his VP Mike Pence;" suggesting that Trump has already broken several norms during his term.
However, the US constitution clearly states the different options available for officials in case of the president's inability to run the country, namely; commissioning his Vice President with all his tasks, in case the VP was also unable to perform tasks, the Speaker of the House takes control temporarily.
Thing that comes close was when Nixon’s VP Agnew resigned and Ford was appointed VP.
— Rick (@Rccard1999) October 4, 2020
It requires approval by both the House and Senate. That ain’t going to happen in the House, not to mention VP Pence would need to step down.
Files this under things that ain’t happening! pic.twitter.com/UOCovBUQut
He can’t appoint Ivanka. The constitution dictates the line of succession.
— Michael Anderson ?? (@Michaelander45) October 3, 2020
According to US laws, the only case through which Ivanka can "take over power" before elections is if the President could force the VP to resign and appoint his daughter instead of him. Yet, a replacement of the VP does require the approval of the Congress.
Meanwhile, some social media users noted that such a possibility might not be as serious as portrayed by the press, but could be inspired by an episode of the fourth season of the popular House of Cards show, where the Russian President advises the US President of appointing his wife to office as he was rushed to the office.
Nothing can stop him from working for the American people. RELENTLESS! ?? pic.twitter.com/2ZSat782qe
— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) October 4, 2020
I don’t want to be alarmist, but a GOP source just told me this: “Trump’s condition is serious. He can go either way. Despite all the meds and the presidential care, they could lose him within 3 to 4 days. They’re trying to make his condition look good to reassure his base.”
— Jon Cooper ?? (@joncoopertweets) October 3, 2020
Even though Trump's doctors have explained that the president's health is above expectations so far, especially as the White House posted photos of him carrying out his daily duties from the presidential suite in the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, online discussions are showing serious concern amongst Americans; especially as Trump falls into the risk group due to his age, obesity, and his high cholesterol.
Trump and the First Lady's diagnoses with COVID-19 came a few days after his assistant Hope Hicks tested positive for the disease and has been causing uncertainty across the political arena especially as it coincides with the rally of the 2020 presidential elections in which Trump faces the former VP Joe Biden.
