What Happens When a President Is Impeached
Impeachment is a formal accusation by the House of Representatives. If the Senate convicts and removes the president, the individual leaves office immediately. The Constitution defines the process and the consequences of removal.
Who Takes Over When a President Is Removed
Under the Presidential Succession Act and the Twenty-Fifth Amendment, the vice president becomes president upon removal. If the vice president is also unable to serve, the line of succession passes to the Speaker of the House, then to the president pro tempore of the Senate, and then to eligible cabinet officers.
How the Transition Is Managed
Once the vice president assumes the presidency, the new president inherits the full powers and duties of the office. The transition follows established protocols, including the oath of office and continuity of executive functions. For more details on the constitutional process, see the official summary from the National Archives.
