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EO 13753Executive OrderObama · D

Executive Order 13753

Amending the Order of Succession in the Department of Homeland Security

This executive order updates the line of succession for acting Secretary of Homeland Security, replacing a 2007 order with a new ranked list of 18 DHS officials. It specifies who assumes leadership if the Secretary dies, resigns, or becomes unable to serve, while preserving presidential discretion to depart from the list under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act.

Federal Register Open PDF 81 FR 90667

Impact dates

  1. Revoke EO 13442 of August 13, 2007

Key directives

  • Replace entire text of Section 88 of EO 13286 with new 18-person succession list
  • Revoke EO 13442 of August 13, 2007
  • Exclude acting officials from ascending by virtue of their acting status
  • Preserve presidential discretion to depart from order under Vacancies Act

Timeline

Immediate

  • New succession order takes effect upon signing
  • Executive Order 13442 of 2007 is revoked

Near term (90d)

  • DHS components update internal continuity protocols to reflect new succession order

Long term

  • Establishes permanent succession framework for DHS until superseded

Risks & tensions

  • Low visibility but structurally significant for national security continuity
  • Exclusion of acting officials (b)(i) could create gaps if multiple positions are vacant
  • Presidential discretion clause (b)(ii) provides flexibility but introduces uncertainty about when list applies
  • Ranking reflects organizational priorities; elevation of FEMA Administrator to 3rd position notable post-2016 election context
Executive Order 13753: Amending the Order of Succession in the Department of Homeland Security · Executive Orders