If the President can no longer serve, who takes over the presidency?

The Vice President assumes the presidency if the President can no longer serve. This line of succession is established by the Presidential Succession Act and is reinforced by the U.S. Constitution. The Vice President is not only the second-in-command but is also specifically designated to step into the role of President in the event of death, resignation, removal from office, or incapacitation of the President. This designates a clear and direct chain of command to ensure stability and continuity in the executive branch of government.

In contrast, the Speaker of the House, while next in line after the Vice President according to the succession plan, only ascends to the presidency if both the President and Vice President positions are vacant. The Secretary of State and Chief Justice do not have a role in presidential succession unless they occupy these positions at the time of a vacancy in the presidency, which is not typical. Hence, the Vice President is always the immediate successor in the event of presidential vacancy.