If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President?

When the President of the United States is unable to fulfill the duties of the office—whether due to death, resignation, removal from office, or incapacitation—the Vice President is the first in line to assume the presidency. This line of succession is established by the Presidential Succession Act of 1947, which outlines a clear framework for who takes over in such scenarios.

The Vice President has already been elected alongside the President, and is thus seen as the most immediate representative of the executive branch and of the policies of the sitting president. This ensures both continuity of government and stability, as the Vice President is generally familiar with the responsibilities and issues facing the presidency.

By contrast, other roles, such as the Secretary of State, the Speaker of the House, and the Chief Justice, follow in the line of succession only after the Vice President. This tiered system helps to ensure that the leadership maintains continuity through established lines of authority and experience.