I mean, Scientology is doing pretty well since the death of L Ron Hubbard.

That's kinda what I mean - if Trump dies now, the HF still has plenty of time left before the midterms to do the most damage possible using Vance. I'm sure they have their marionette strings tied to enough Republican Congress critters to get their stuff done even without Trump's bullying & they can coach Vance on the rest. If Trump goes, I think I'd rather it be a LOT closer to the midterm election.

ETA: Don't forget they're the party in power, and can change all sorts of things that will affect their chances in the election, too. Those things don't have to hold up legally, just cause legal delays that let them keep power.

All true, but we are very near a point with USA where Vance doesn't need a cult following, he can rule as a dictator supported by oligarchs. He already has the military and intelligence services and the supreme court. The rest will follow, as resistance is weeded out by those powers.

They're still going to be loyal to the party because they've been brainwashed to think Democrats (who are unfortunately the only other viable option) are out to destroy them & their way of life. It's gonna take a long time for that to wear off for any significant number of them - during which time another acolyte may be found to carry the torch.