On 1 August, with Hindenburg's death imminent, Hitler had the cabinet pass the "Law Concerning the Highest State Office of the Reich," which merged the offices of president (head of state) and chancellor (head of government) under the title of Leader and Chancellor (Führer und Reichskanzler).[2] Thus, when Hindenburg died the following day, Hitler took over the president's powers. He publicly argued that the presidency had become so linked with Hindenburg that the title should not be used again.[3]