The Enigmatic Designated Survivor: Tradition, Intrigue, and Trump’s Upcoming Address to Congress
President Donald Trump is preparing to address a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, a significant event marking the beginning of his second term. As the nation anticipates his policy agenda and vision for the future, a less publicized but equally compelling aspect of the event draws attention: the selection of the designated survivor. This tradition, steeped in history and intrigue, is designed to safeguard the continuity of government in the event of a catastrophic event during the President’s address.
The designated survivor is a member of the President’s cabinet who is intentionally absent from the gathering of top government officials, members of Congress, and Supreme Court justices. This individual is sequestered in a secure, undisclosed location, ready to assume the presidency should a tragedy incapacitate the President and other individuals in the line of succession. The selection of a designated survivor is a symbolic act, acknowledging the potential for unforeseen events and reaffirming the nation’s commitment to maintaining a functioning government under any circumstances.
The concept of a designated survivor has captured the public imagination for decades, transforming from a practical security measure into a source of fascination and speculation. The idea even inspired a television drama, "Designated Survivor," starring Keifer Sutherland, further solidifying the concept in popular culture. The show explored the extraordinary circumstances faced by a low-level cabinet member thrust into the presidency after a devastating attack on the Capitol.
As Trump’s address to Congress approaches, the White House has remained silent regarding the identity of the designated survivor. This secrecy only heightens the mystery surrounding the role and fuels speculation about who might be chosen. In the previous administration, under President Joe Biden, the responsibility fell to the Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona. This selection underscored the importance of education policy at the time and highlighted Cardona’s position within the administration.
The tradition of naming a designated survivor dates back to the Cold War era, a period of heightened international tension and the constant threat of nuclear attack. While the first officially recorded instance occurred in 1981, when President Ronald Reagan designated Education Secretary Terrel Bell, the practice likely existed in an informal capacity even earlier, reflecting the government’s concern about maintaining leadership in the face of potential disaster. The National Constitution Center notes that the practice’s origins extend further back, emphasizing its roots in Cold War anxieties.
The selection process for the designated survivor is shrouded in some mystery. There is no established protocol dictating who should be chosen. However, the role typically falls to a member of the President’s cabinet, reflecting the need for someone with sufficient experience and authority to assume the highest office. Interestingly, the Secretary of the Interior has been selected as the designated survivor more often than any other cabinet member, having been tapped seven times, according to data from The American Presidency Project. The Secretary of Agriculture follows closely behind, having served in the role on six occasions.
The reasons behind these trends are not entirely clear, but some speculate that the relative obscurity of these positions compared to those like the Secretary of State or Defense might make them ideal candidates. Choosing someone less central to national security ensures that key decision-makers remain present at the address.
Former Obama speechwriter Jon Favreau shed some light on the considerations that go into the selection process. He told The Ringer that the Obama administration sometimes chose the designated survivor based on the relevance of their department to the President’s speech. If the speech was expected to highlight specific programs or policies related to a particular cabinet member’s portfolio, that person might be chosen as the designated survivor. This suggests that the selection process is not solely based on seniority or potential for leadership but can also be influenced by strategic communication considerations.
While this marks Trump’s first address to a joint session of Congress in his second term, it’s not the first time he has designated a survivor. Throughout his first term, he designated cabinet members for his previous addresses, adhering to the established tradition.
As the nation prepares to hear from President Trump, the identity of the designated survivor remains a closely guarded secret. This tradition serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of leadership and the importance of preparedness. The selection of a designated survivor underscores the gravity of the occasion and the enduring commitment to ensuring the stability and continuity of the United States government, even in the face of unimaginable circumstances.
Multiple media outlets, including USA TODAY, ABC, Fox News, NPR, and PBS, are planning to provide live coverage of the address starting at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 4. The nation will be watching and listening, not only to the President’s words but also to the silent message conveyed by the presence – or absence – of the designated survivor.
