President Donald Trump said on social media that Iran has made threats to kill him, and he indicated he has issued standing military orders for a massive retaliatory strike on Iran if such an attack occurs. However, U.S. procedures do not allow for an automatic "dead man's switch"; if Trump were killed, Vice President JD Vance would instantly become commander in chief and hold sole authority over any response, meaning he could follow or disregard Trump's directive. The remarks come amid reported Iranian plots against Trump and ongoing U.S.-Iran hostilities, with Iran’s supreme leader vowing revenge for recent strikes. The situation highlights the limits of presidential pre-authorization and the constitutional succession process.