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.
What happens if the president is no longer able to serve
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
What determines the presidential order of succession
The U.S. Constitution and the Presidential Succession Act of 1947 outline the presidential line of succession. The line of succession of cabinet officers is in the order of their agencies’ creation.
- Vice President
- Speaker of the House
- President Pro Tempore of the Senate
- Secretary of State
- Secretary of the Treasury
- Secretary of Defense
- Attorney General
- Secretary of the Interior
- Secretary of Agriculture
- Secretary of Commerce
- Secretary of Labor
- Secretary of Health and Human Services
- Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
- Secretary of Transportation
- Secretary of Energy
- Secretary of Education
- Secretary of Veterans Affairs
- Secretary of Homeland Security
LAST UPDATED: September 18, 2025
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