If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President? — Answer & Explanation

Official Question & Answer

Question

If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?

✦ OFFICIAL ANSWER ✦

The Speaker of the House

Why This Is the Answer

If both the President and Vice President can no longer serve, the Speaker of the House becomes President. This is the next person in the presidential line of succession.

The full line of succession continues beyond the Speaker: President Pro Tempore of the Senate, then Secretary of State, and on through the Cabinet. This order is established by the Presidential Succession Act.

This situation has never actually occurred in American history — it exists as a safeguard to ensure the country always has a leader.

💡 Interview Tip

Say: 'The Speaker of the House.'

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