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Trump suggests a standing order to attack Iran if it assassinates him. But Vance would make the call
By Will Weissert, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 11, 2026
· 6 min read
President Donald Trump is suggesting he has left standing orders for the U.S. military to destroy Iran “ at levels they've never seen before ” if Tehran follows through on its long-standing threats to kill him. But the U.S. government has no way to create an automatic, preauthorized “dead man’s s...
Key takeaway Instead, if Trump were killed, the transfer of power to his successor is governed by the 25th Amendment and the Presidential Succession Act of 1947.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
In San Antonio , home to several major military installations, the prospect of retaliatory strikes against Iran raises concerns about the potential impact on local servicemembers and their families. The city's military community is likely to be affected by any escalation of tensions between the US and Iran, with possible deployments and increased alert levels. Additionally, the presence of Brooke Army Medical Center and other medical facilities in the area means that San Antonio could play a role in treating casualties in the event of a conflict. As Vice President JD Vance would be the one to make the call on retaliation, San Antonians may be watching his actions closely, given the city's significant military presence and the potential consequences for local residents serving overseas. The city's economy, which is heavily influenced by the military, could also feel the effects of increased tensions or conflict.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 11, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? President Donald Trump is suggesting he has left standing orders for the U.S. military to destroy Iran “ at levels they've never seen before ” if Tehran follows through on its long-standing threats to kill him. But the U.S. government has no way to create an automatic, preauthorized “dead man’s s...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 11, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Will Weissert, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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