Providing an Order of Succession Within the Department of State

This executive order establishes a detailed line of succession for the Secretary of State, specifying which officials would assume the role if the Secretary dies, resigns, or becomes unable to serve. It replaces a 1982 executive order and includes exceptions requiring Senate confirmation and prohibiting acting officials from assuming the position.

Federal Register Open PDF 67 FR 1599

Impact dates

Dec 28, 2001
EO takes effect; Executive Order 12343 revoked

Key directives

Establish order of succession for Secretary of State position
Require Senate confirmation for any acting Secretary
Prohibit acting officials from serving as acting Secretary
Preserve presidential discretion under Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998
Revoke Executive Order 12343 of January 27, 1982

Timeline

Immediate

EO takes effect upon signing; revokes Executive Order 12343 of January 27, 1982

Near term (90d)

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Long term

Order of succession remains in effect until superseded by future presidential action

Risks & tensions

Presidential discretion clause (Sec. 3(c)) creates tension with fixed succession order, potentially undermining predictability during crisis
Vague: 'equivalent' successor offices (Sec. 3(d)) leaves room for interpretation if State Department reorganizes
Exclusion of acting officials (Sec. 3(b)) could create gaps if multiple senior positions are vacant simultaneously
Geographic prioritization of UK, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Japan, India ambassadors (Sec. 2(k)) reflects post-Cold War/early War on Terror alliance structure, may become dated