What is a Designated Survivor?
A designated survivor is an individual appointed to remain in a secure location during major events such as the State of the Union address, presidential inaugurations, or other gatherings of top government officials. This person is chosen to ensure that a line of succession is maintained in the event of a catastrophic incident that results in the deaths of key government figures.
Why is a Designated Survivor Needed?
Designated survivors provide continuity of government in the case of a national emergency. This protocol ensures that there is always someone ready to assume the presidency if the current president and other top officials are incapacitated or killed in a terrorist attack, natural disaster, or other unforeseen event.
How is the Designated Survivor Chosen?
The designated survivor is typically a member of the president’s cabinet who is not in attendance at the event. This person is selected based on their eligibility to assume the presidency according to the Presidential Succession Act of 1947.
Examples of Designated Survivors
- In 2001, Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman was the designated survivor during President George W. Bush’s address to Congress.
- In 2017, Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin was the designated survivor during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address.
- In 2021, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas was the designated survivor during President Joe Biden’s inauguration.
Case Studies
One of the most well-known instances of a designated survivor becoming president was in 1974 when Vice President Gerald Ford assumed the presidency after President Richard Nixon resigned. Ford had been appointed vice president after Spiro Agnew resigned, making him the first person to hold both offices without being elected to either.
Statistics on Designated Survivors
According to a report from the Congressional Research Service, designated survivors have been implemented since the 1960s, with varying degrees of frequency and visibility. The practice has evolved over the years to ensure the smooth transition of power in times of crisis.
