WASHINGTON — As President Donald Trump prepares to deliver his speech before Congress on Tuesday night, one member of his Cabinet will be absent for security reasons.
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins has been named this year’s designated survivor, according to multiple reports.
The designated survivor is a Cabinet official who remains at a secure, undisclosed location during the speech to ensure continuity of government in the event of a catastrophe.
The person chosen is typically announced shortly before or even after the president’s address begins.
Collins, a former Georgia congressman, was confirmed as VA Secretary on Feb. 4. In the presidential line of succession, the VA Secretary is typically 17th.
The concept of the designated survivor stems from the need to maintain leadership in the event of a crisis.
The modern presidential line of succession was established by the Presidential Succession Act of 1947 and is as follows:
- Vice President JD Vance
- House Speaker Mike Johnson
- Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent
The line continues through the Cabinet in the order the departments were created, with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem currently 18th in line.
Since nearly all top officials attend the joint session, the designated survivor remains away from the Capitol as a precaution.
