President Donald Trump’s 2025 combined address to Congress was delivered by Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins, who will provide stability of government in the event of a fatal event during the opulent meeting.
Immediately before the Tuesday night statement, the White House confirmed Collins ‘ choice. While Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and top government officials convened in the Capitol, he was taken as designated veteran and taken to a stable, unknown place. Collins, who was appointed VA Secretary on February 4, 2025, is the 17th person in the line of succession.
A designated victim is what?
A cupboard member chosen to attend the event who chooses to remain away to ensure the continuity of state in the event of an attack or crisis that defies the command. The process, which dates back to the Cold War, was chosen as Education Secretary Terrel Bell for its official debut in 1981.
The designated veteran must meet national eligibility requirements, including being a natural-born US resident and at least 35 years old. Due to their birthplace in the US, some government individuals in the past, including Henry Kissinger and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, were not eligible.
Donna Shalala, a former health and human services minister, recalled that in 1996,” the White House staff talked really about the role of the designated veteran.”
Doug Collins: Who is He?
Before being appointed Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Collins, a former senator from Georgia’s 9th parliamentary neighborhood, served from 2013 to 2021. He has a history in laws, having previously served as one of the firm’s managing partners since 2010. Prior to joining the US Air Force Reserve Command, where he holds the rank of Colonel, he served as a Navy priest in the late 1980s.
As VA Secretary, Collins manages a budget of about$ 350 billion and oversees nearly 200 medical facilities, with the goal of improving the quality of care and addressing veterans ‘ health issues.
What transpires during the conversation?
Security workers, including a military official carrying the “nuclear football,” are present alongside the designated survivors. Former Energy Secretary Bill Richardson, who was the designated survivor in 2000, described the situation, saying,” It’s fun. You are being watched while you are sitting it. You have protection. And there are some pleasures as well.
In a 2017 Politico writing, past agriculture minister Dan Glickman wrote,” I don’t remember getting any specific guidance on what to do if the doom scenario happened,” that would lead to a military response, including a nuclear attack.
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 returned.” He remarked,” Don’t do anything I haven’t would.”
The long-standing history continues under the Trump presidency to maintain federal stability during the monthly address, with Collins then serving as the designated victim for 2025.
