Succession to the President of the United States: An Ordered List
The line of succession to the President of the United States is a critical aspect of the nation’s governance, ensuring that leadership can continue uninterrupted in the event of a vacancy. This line of succession is defined by the Presidential Succession Act, which has been amended several times since its inception in 1792. The current line of succession is codified in 3 U.S.C. § 19 and outlines who will assume the presidency if the President is unable to fulfill their duties. Here, we provide a detailed overview of the order of succession and the roles of each successor.
1. Vice President
Current Office Holder: Kamala Harris
The Vice President is the first in line to succeed the President. The primary role of the Vice President is to support the President and serve as the President of the Senate, casting tie-breaking votes when necessary. In the event of the President’s death, resignation, removal from office, or incapacitation, the Vice President immediately assumes the presidency.
2. Speaker of the House of Representatives
Current Office Holder: Kevin McCarthy
The Speaker of the House is second in line for the presidency. As the leader of the House of Representatives, the Speaker is responsible for presiding over House sessions, managing House legislative agendas, and representing the House in all official capacities. If both the President and Vice President are unable to serve, the Speaker steps in as Acting President.
3. President Pro Tempore of the Senate
Current Office Holder: Patty Murray
The President Pro Tempore of the Senate is third in line. This position is typically held by the most senior member of the majority party in the Senate. The President Pro Tempore presides over the Senate in the Vice President’s absence and fulfills various administrative and ceremonial duties. In the absence of both the President and Vice President, the President Pro Tempore assumes the presidency.
4. Secretary of State
Current Office Holder: Antony Blinken
The Secretary of State is fourth in line and is the chief foreign affairs advisor to the President. The Secretary oversees the State Department, manages diplomatic relations, and represents the U.S. in international affairs. If the President, Vice President, Speaker of the House, and President Pro Tempore are all unable to serve, the Secretary of State steps in.
5. Secretary of the Treasury
Current Office Holder: Janet Yellen
The Secretary of the Treasury is fifth in the line of succession. This official is responsible for managing the nation’s finances, including the production of currency, the collection of taxes, and the administration of the public debt. If those before them in the line are incapacitated, the Secretary of the Treasury assumes the role of President.
6. Secretary of Defense
Current Office Holder: Lloyd Austin
The Secretary of Defense, sixth in line, oversees the Department of Defense and is the principal defense policy advisor to the President. This role includes the management of all branches of the U.S. military and the execution of national defense policies.
7. Attorney General
Current Office Holder: Merrick Garland
The Attorney General, seventh in line, heads the Department of Justice and acts as the chief law enforcement officer of the federal government. Responsibilities include overseeing federal prosecutions, representing the United States in legal matters, and advising the President on legal issues.
8. Secretary of the Interior
Current Office Holder: Deb Haaland
The Secretary of the Interior, eighth in line, manages the nation’s public lands, natural resources, and Native American affairs. This includes overseeing agencies like the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management.
9. Secretary of Agriculture
Current Office Holder: Tom Vilsack
The Secretary of Agriculture, ninth in line, oversees the Department of Agriculture, which is responsible for policies related to farming, forestry, rural economic development, and food safety.
10. Secretary of Commerce
Current Office Holder: Gina Raimondo
The Secretary of Commerce, tenth in line, manages the Department of Commerce, which focuses on promoting economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development. This includes overseeing agencies like the Census Bureau and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
11. Secretary of Labor
Current Office Holder: Marty Walsh
The Secretary of Labor, eleventh in line, heads the Department of Labor and is responsible for enforcing labor laws, promoting workers’ rights, and managing employment and training programs.
12. Secretary of Health and Human Services
Current Office Holder: Xavier Becerra
The Secretary of Health and Human Services, twelfth in line, oversees the Department of Health and Human Services, which manages programs related to public health, welfare, and health insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid.
13. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
Current Office Holder: Marcia Fudge
The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, thirteenth in line, leads the Department of Housing and Urban Development, focusing on national policies and programs that address housing needs, improve and develop communities, and enforce fair housing laws.
14. Secretary of Transportation
Current Office Holder: Pete Buttigieg
The Secretary of Transportation, fourteenth in line, oversees the Department of Transportation, which manages the nation’s transportation systems, including highways, railroads, and air travel.
15. Secretary of Energy
Current Office Holder: Jennifer Granholm
The Secretary of Energy, fifteenth in line, heads the Department of Energy, which is responsible for policies regarding energy production, conservation, and research, including nuclear energy and weapons.
16. Secretary of Education
Current Office Holder: Miguel Cardona
The Secretary of Education, sixteenth in line, oversees the Department of Education, which manages federal funding for education, administers educational programs, and enforces federal educational laws.
17. Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Current Office Holder: Denis McDonough
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, seventeenth in line, leads the Department of Veterans Affairs, which provides essential services to veterans, including health care, benefits, and memorial services.
18. Secretary of Homeland Security
Current Office Holder: Alejandro Mayorkas
The Secretary of Homeland Security, eighteenth in line, heads the Department of Homeland Security, which is responsible for protecting the United States from terrorist attacks, managing border security, and responding to natural disasters.
The Presidential line of succession is a crucial element of U.S. governance, ensuring continuity of leadership in times of crisis. Each position in the line of succession carries significant responsibilities and is held by individuals equipped to lead the nation if called upon. Understanding this line of succession provides insight into the structure and resilience of the U.S. government.