Providing an Order of Succession Within the Department of the Interior

2020-04-17Executive Order 13915
Signed by: Donald Trump
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Headline: Establishes Succession Order for Department of the Interior Leadership

What it does: The order directs specified Interior Department officers to act as Secretary in a set order when both the Secretary and Deputy are unable to serve.

Real World Impact:
  • Creates a clear backup leadership line for the Department of the Interior.
  • Prevents individuals serving in acting roles from becoming Secretary under this list.
  • Revokes the prior 2001 Department of the Interior succession order.
Topics: government succession, federal department operations, leadership continuity, administrative order

Summary

This order sets a clear line of who will serve as Secretary of the Interior if both the Secretary and Deputy Secretary cannot perform their duties. It lists seven senior officials, starting with the Solicitor and including several Assistant Secretaries, who will act as Secretary in that order.

The order bars anyone already serving in an acting role from becoming Secretary under this list, allows the President to choose a different acting Secretary as permitted by law, and revokes a prior 2001 succession order.

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