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

In the event that both the President and Vice President are unable to fulfill their duties, the next in line to assume the presidency is the Speaker of the House. This line of succession is established by the Presidential Succession Act of 1947, which outlines the order of officials who would assume the presidency in such a scenario.

The Speaker is considered the leader of the House of Representatives and is a significant figure in the legislative branch, making them a logical choice for succession. Given their election by congressional members and their role in representing the legislative body, the Speaker embodies a continuation of elected leadership.

Following the Speaker, the line of succession includes the President pro tempore of the Senate and then the members of the Cabinet, starting with the Secretary of State. This structured order reinforces the principle of continuity in government, ensuring that there is always a designated leader ready to step in and maintain the functioning and stability of the presidency.