Providing an Order of Succession Within the Department of the Treasury
Jan 13, 2025
Jan 13, 2025
Summary
Creates a list of officials who will take over the duties of the Secretary of the Treasury if the Secretary and Deputy Secretary cannot serve.
What problem does this solve?
The government needs a clear plan for who leads the Treasury Department if its top officials are suddenly unavailable. This order provides a specific list of successors to ensure the department continues to run smoothly during a crisis.
What does this order do?
Establishes the line of succession
Lists specific officials, starting with Under Secretaries, who will act as Secretary of the Treasury if the Secretary and Deputy Secretary are unable to serve.
Sets limits on who can serve
Prevents individuals serving in an acting capacity from becoming the acting Secretary and requires them to be legally eligible to serve under existing law.
Allows the President to override the order
States that the President can choose someone else to be the acting Secretary, even if they are not on the list, as long as it is permitted by law.
Revokes a previous executive order
Cancels and replaces Executive Order 13735 from 2016, which previously set the order of succession for the Department of the Treasury.
Who does this affect?
- Department of the Treasury officials
- The President of the United States
- Federal government employees
What is the real world impact?
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Ensures stable leadership at the Treasury
Provides a clear and predictable plan for who takes charge if the top two Treasury officials are unavailable. This prevents confusion and keeps the department running smoothly during an emergency.
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Updates a previous succession plan
Replaces an older executive order from 2016 with a new list of successors. This keeps the plan current with the department's present structure and officials.
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Preserves presidential power
Includes a clause allowing the President to ignore the established order of succession if desired. This maintains the President's flexibility but could introduce uncertainty in a crisis.
When does this start?
This order takes effect on January 3, 2025, the date it was signed.