The Intrigue of the Designated Survivor: A Closer Look at a Critical Presidential Tradition
President Trump’s speech to Congress Tuesday night will unfold under a backdrop of tradition and security, with one notable absentee: the "designated survivor." This individual, chosen annually by the administration, will skip the event to ensure continuity of government in the unlikely event of a catastrophic incident. While the identity of the designated survivor remains under wraps until shortly before the speech—or sometimes even after it begins—the role itself is steeped in history and intrigue, reflecting a balance of power, responsibility, and preparedness.
The Concept and Purpose of the Designated Survivor
The designated survivor is a unique figure in American political tradition, tasked with staying away from the joint session of Congress where the State of the Union address is delivered. This practice ensures that at least one individual in the presidential line of succession is safe and able to assume the presidency if a disaster strikes during the event. The line of succession, established by Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution and refined by the Presidential Succession Act of 1947, outlines the order in which officials would ascend to the presidency. The current line includes Vice President JD Vance, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate pro tempore Chuck Grassley, and members of the Cabinet, such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. By having a designated survivor, the government safeguards its continuity and stability in the face of an unforeseen crisis.
The Origins and Evolution of the Designated Survivor Role
The concept of the designated survivor was first contemplated during the Cold War era in the 1950s, when the threat of nuclear war loomed large. However, it wasn’t until 1981 that the first official designated survivor was named: then-Education Secretary Terrel Bell, who skipped President Ronald Reagan’s address to Congress. Since then, the role has become a regular part of presidential tradition. While the Constitution does not explicitly mandate this practice, it aligns with the nation’s broader commitment to preparedness and governance. The designated survivor serves as a silent guardian of continuity, ready to step into the highest office if tragedy strikes.
How the Designated Survivor is Chosen
The process of selecting the designated survivor remains shrouded in mystery, as the administration treats it as classified information. However, certain criteria must be met: the individual must be constitutionally eligible to serve as president, meaning they must be a native-born U.S. citizen and at least 35 years old. Over the years, some Cabinet members have been ineligible due to these requirements, such as former Secretaries of State Madeleine Albright and Henry Kissinger, who were born outside the United States. Beyond these basic qualifications, the selection process is not publicly disclosed, leaving room for speculation about how the administration chooses the designated survivor.
The Responsibilities of the Designated Survivor During the Speech
While the designated survivor’s primary role is to remain absent from the joint session of Congress, their responsibilities extend beyond simply staying away. Former designated survivors have shared glimpses into their experiences, revealing a mix of seriousness and levity. For instance, former Energy Secretary Bill Richardson, who served as designated survivor in 2000, recalled watching the speech from a friend’s house in Maryland, surrounded by security and even fire trucks. Former Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman, another designated survivor, described being whisked away to a secure location in New York, where he was accompanied by key military staff and the infamous "nuclear football," a briefcase used to authorize nuclear strikes. Despite the gravity of the situation, some survivors, like former Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala, have lightheartedly noted moments of normalcy, such as ordering pizza for their staff while waiting out the speech at the White House.
Notable Designated Survivors and the Enduring Importance of the Role
Over the years, the designated survivor has included various Cabinet members, with some positions—such as those of the Secretaries of State, Defense, and Treasury—curiously never being selected. The role gained renewed attention in 2021, when no designated survivor was named due to the limited attendance at the joint session of Congress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent designated survivors includeSecretary-designate Kirstjen Nielsen (2018) and then-Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf (2020). The role underscores the balance between tradition and practicality in American governance, ensuring that the nation is always prepared for the unexpected. As President Trump delivers his speech Tuesday night, the designated survivor will remain in the shadows, a symbol of resilience and continuity in the face of uncertainty.
