Who is the highest-ranking official in the executive branch?

The highest-ranking official in the executive branch is the President. The President serves as the head of state and government, leading the country and spearheading the executive functions of the federal government. This includes implementing and enforcing laws, setting foreign policy, and serving as commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

In contrast, the Vice President serves primarily as a supporter and advisor to the President and assumes the presidency only in the event that the President is unable to perform their duties. The Speaker of the House is the leader of the House of Representatives and is part of the legislative branch, while the Chief Justice heads the judicial branch. Each of these roles is significant within their branch of government, but they do not hold the same overarching authority as the President does in the executive branch.