Trump’s joint address to Congress: Who is this year’s designated survivor?

White House options confirmed immediately before the conversation on Tuesday night that Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins has been chosen as the designated victim for President Donald Trump’s 2025 combined address to Congress.
The president, vice president, and the entire line of succession are present at the handle, which is held in the history of appointing a designated victim, which guarantees consistency of authorities in the event of a fatal incident. Collins, a past member from Georgia, was appointed VA Secretary on February 4 and is now 17th in the line of succession.

A designated veteran is what?

A cabinet member has been chosen to remain in a stable, undisclosed location while the address is being addressed. This security measure makes sure a state head is still present if an emergency prevents those present.
The line of succession is established by the US Constitution, but the present attempt was established by the Presidential Succession Act of 1947. House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley, State Secretary Marco Rubio, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are the first in column, followed by Vice President JD Vance. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ranks among the list’s 18th-ranked cabinet members, with the listing expanding to other people.
A designated victim is chosen to enter the joint session because nearly all of these officials are present.

Origins of the custom

Although it is thought that the process of appointing a designated victim began during the Cold War in the 1950s when Terrel Bell, the education secretary, took over the position, was first made official in 1981.
The person must meet the national registration requirements of being a natural-born US member and at least 35 years old, though the decision is still classified. Due to their birthplace in the United States, past secretaries of state Madeleine Albright and Henry Kissinger, were excluded from the program.
Donna Shalala, a former health and human services minister under President Bill Clinton, recalled her knowledge, saying,” The White House staff talked really about the role of the designated survivor.

What transpires during the talk?

Former designated victims have shared their experiences, revealing that security personnel, including a defense official who carried the “nuclear football,” accompany them.
Bill Richardson, who was chosen in 2000, described his experience, saying,” It’s joy. You are being watched while you are seated. You have protection. Additionally, there are some delights.
Dan Glickman, a former crops director before he was appointed in the 1990s, made reference to his location as a safe haven outside of Washington in a 2017 Politico essay. He stated,” I don’t remember getting any specific guidance on what to do if the doom scenario occurred. All I knew was that I could turn to that military commander, who was carrying that 45-pound case, and compel a military response, including a nuclear strike.”
Shalala, who remained in Washington while serving as a designated victim, recalls waiting at the White House and ordering pie for her team. She said,” I saw the leader when he left and when he came back.” He remarked,” Don’t do anything I haven’t would.”

New designated individuals

Cabinet members from various sections are generally chosen for the position, but Secretaries of State, Defense, and Treasury are not chosen.

The new victims who have been designated are as follows:

The history continues as the Trump presidency ensures the president’s consistency during this important address as Collins steps down as the role is assumed for 2025.

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