White House Releases Executive Order on Succession in Department of Homeland Security
January 4, 2025
The White House has published an executive order titled “Providing an Order of Succession Within the Department of Homeland Security” on January 4, 2025. The order establishes a clear line of succession for the position of Secretary of Homeland Security and other key leadership roles within the department.
Background
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a cabinet-level department of the United States government responsible for protecting the United States against terrorism and other threats. It was created in 2002 in response to the September 11 attacks.
The Secretary of Homeland Security is the head of DHS and is responsible for overseeing its operations. The position has been held by a variety of individuals, both political appointees and career civil servants.
Key Provisions of the Executive Order
The Executive Order on Providing an Order of Succession Within the Department of Homeland Security establishes the following:
- In the absence of the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security shall serve as Acting Secretary.
- In the absence of both the Secretary and Deputy Secretary, the Under Secretary for Management shall serve as Acting Secretary.
- In the absence of the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and Under Secretary for Management, the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis shall serve as Acting Secretary.
- In the absence of the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Under Secretary for Management, and Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis, the Under Secretary for Science and Technology shall serve as Acting Secretary.
- In the absence of all of the officials listed above, the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs shall serve as Acting Secretary.
The order also states that the Acting Secretary shall serve until the President appoints and the Senate confirms a permanent Secretary of Homeland Security.
Rationale for the Order
The White House has stated that the purpose of the executive order is to ensure continuity of leadership within DHS. The order is intended to provide a clear and consistent process for succession in the event that the Secretary of Homeland Security is unable to fulfill their duties.
Additional Information
The executive order is effective immediately. It is not clear at this time if the order will be amended or modified by future administrations.
The order can be accessed on the White House website: www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2025/01/04/executive-order-on-providing-an-order-of-succession-within-the-department-of-homeland-security/
Executive Order on Providing an Order of Succession Within the Department of Homeland Security
The AI has provided us with the news.
I’ve asked Google Gemini the following question, and here’s its response.
The White House a new article on 2025-01-04 02:44 titled “Executive Order on Providing an Order of Succession Within the Department of Homeland Security”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
13