Trump names Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary as designated survivor for 2026 State of the Union Address in Washington while lawmakers skip event to preserve government continuity

President Donald Trump has tapped Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins as the designated survivor for his 2026 State of the Union Address.

Collins, a former Georgia congressman and current head of the VA, holds the 17th spot in the presidential line of succession.

Interestingly, this is not his first time serving in this role—he was also the designated survivor for last year’s address.

The role of a designated survivor is serious business.

This official is intentionally kept away from the Capitol during events where top U.S. leaders gather, ensuring the continuity of government in case of a catastrophic attack.

Even though Washington, D.C., and the Capitol are among the most heavily monitored and protected areas in the country, the risk planning is meticulous.

The idea is simple: if a disaster were to strike while the president, Congress, Supreme Court, Cabinet, and other dignitaries were all in one room, there would still be someone alive and ready to assume leadership.

The Security Logic Behind the Designated Survivor

The concept of a designated survivor dates back to the 1950s, when concerns about a nuclear strike targeting U.S. government leadership first emerged.

Initially, the protocol was secret, but by the 1980s, the practice became public, with the administration eventually revealing who the designee was after the fact.

During the State of the Union, the designated survivor is sent to an undisclosed, secure location.

The same approach has sometimes been used during presidential inaugurations, though Trump’s inauguration last year did not include a designee.

During Joe Biden’s final year in office in 2024, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona filled this role as the 16th in line to the presidency.

To qualify, a designated survivor must meet basic constitutional requirements: at least 35 years old and a natural-born U.S. citizen.

Congress and Cabinet in the Presidential Line of Succession

The line of succession is laid out in the U.S. Constitution and clarified by the Presidential Succession Act of 1947.

It begins with the vice president, followed by the speaker of the House, the Senate president pro tempore, and then Cabinet members in the order their departments were created.

In some cases, lawmakers themselves have stepped aside from key events to preserve legislative continuity.

During this year’s address, Senator Chuck Grassley—who is fourth in line—also appeared to skip the event, though the reasons weren’t officially confirmed.

On the House side, Democrats have named Congressman Mike Thompson of California as their designated survivor.

He, too, has held this role previously.

Attendance, Protest, and Politics

The State of the Union traditionally draws an enormous crowd: all 100 senators, 435 House members, nine Supreme Court justices, the president’s Cabinet, family members, guests, media, and congressional staff.

Despite the strong security measures, some officials choose to skip the event either as part of security protocol or political protest.

This year, many Democrats publicly announced they would not attend Trump’s speech, framing it as a protest against policies they criticize.

Congressman Thompson tweeted, “I’ve been selected as a designated survivor for tomorrow’s State of the Union, so I won’t be there in person, but I’ll be watching.

Americans deserve accountability for the militarization of ICE, terrorization of our communities and killing of American citizens.”

What’s Next?

As the 2026 State of the Union unfolds, all eyes will be on both the speech itself and the officials safeguarding the line of succession.

Collins will remain out of sight, ready to step in if disaster strikes, while the political debate over attendance and protest continues.

Observers will also be watching to see how future administrations handle designated survivors, especially in an era of heightened security concerns and political tension.

Summary

Doug Collins has been named President Trump’s designated survivor for the 2026 State of the Union, marking his second time in the role.

The designated survivor system ensures continuity of government during high-risk gatherings of U.S. leadership.

Other notable officials, including Senator Chuck Grassley and Congressman Mike Thompson, also acted as absentees or designated survivors.

While security protocols are longstanding, political protest continues to influence attendance decisions.

The practice underscores the balance between safety and the symbolism of unity at one of the nation’s most prominent events.