Executive Order 13915-Providing an Order of Succession Within the Department of the Interior
Issued 2020-04-14 by Donald J. Trump
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
Executive Order 13915, issued by President Donald J. Trump on April 13, 2020, establishes a specific order of succession within the Department of the Interior. This order names various officials, such as the Solicitor and several Assistant Secretaries, who would temporarily perform the duties of the Secretary of the Interior if both the Secretary and Deputy Secretary are unable to serve due to death, resignation, or other reasons. It also states that the President retains discretion to designate an acting Secretary as permitted by law, and that individuals already serving in an acting capacity in a listed office cannot act as Secretary under this order. This executive order replaces a previous order on the
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Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
Executive Order 13915 addresses "Executive Order 13915-Providing an Order of Succession Within the Department of the Interior". Executive orders are a long-established exercise of presidential power, used by every President since George Washington. They are grounded in Article II of the Constitution, which vests executive power in the President and directs them to "take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed."
Executive orders cannot create new law, contradict existing federal statutes, or exceed the President's constitutional authority. The legitimacy of any specific order depends on whether it operates within statutory authority Congress has delegated, directs the executive branch on matters within its constitutional purview, or attempts to substitute executive policy for legislative choices. Courts can and do review executive orders for conformity with the Constitution and federal law.
Official Summary
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