Who leads the executive branch of the United States?

The President of the United States leads the executive branch, making this the correct choice. The role of the President is to enforce and uphold the laws of the country, manage the operations of the federal government, and serve as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. In this capacity, the President has significant authority over foreign policy and national defense, as well as the power to appoint members of the Cabinet and other key officials within the executive branch.

In contrast, the Vice President serves primarily as an assistant to the President and is next in line for the presidency, but does not lead the executive branch. Congress, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate, is responsible for legislative functions, not the executive enforcement of laws. The Chief Justice, while an important figure in the judiciary as head of the Supreme Court, does not have leadership over the executive branch either. Thus, the President's role is distinctly defined as the leader of the executive branch, solidifying why this answer is accurate.