Order of presidential succession

If a U.S. president cannot carry out the duties of the office, the responsibilities are passed to another government leader in a specific order.

The president of the United States may be replaced if he or she:

  • Becomes incapacitated
  • Dies
  • Resigns 
  • Is unable to hold office 
  • Is removed from office 

The U.S. Constitution and the Presidential Succession Act of 1947 outline the presidential order of succession. The line of succession of cabinet officers is in the order of their agencies’ creation.

  1. Vice President
  2. Speaker of the House
  3. President Pro Tempore of the Senate
  4. Secretary of State
  5. Secretary of the Treasury
  6. Secretary of Defense
  7. Attorney General
  8. Secretary of the Interior
  9. Secretary of Agriculture
  10. Secretary of Commerce
  11. Secretary of Labor
  12. Secretary of Health and Human Services
  13. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
  14. Secretary of Transportation
  15. Secretary of Energy
  16. Secretary of Education
  17. Secretary of Veterans Affairs
  18. Secretary of Homeland Security

LAST UPDATED: September 20, 2024

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