The presidential inauguration of Donald Trump as President of the United States was an event full of symbolism and protocol, where political leaders, dignitaries, and influential figures gathered in the Capitol Rotunda. However, what few people notice is that traditionally, a member of the cabinet is left out of the event: the so-called “designated survivor.”
The term refers to a high-ranking official in the presidential line of succession who, for security reasons, does not attend events where top government officials are present.
This position gained notoriety thanks to the TV series "Designated Survivor," in which the Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Kirkman (played by Kiefer Sutherland), assumes the presidency after a devastating attack on the Capitol.
Everything you need to know about the “Designated Survivor”
The practice of designating a survivor has its roots in the Presidential Succession Act of 1947, enacted during the Cold War when the fear of a nuclear attack was imminent. Its purpose is to ensure the continuity of power in case of a catastrophic attack that incapacitates the current leaders.
Since then, at events such as State of the Union addresses or inaugural ceremonies, a member of the cabinet is chosen to remain in a secure location, often a bunker, ready to take control if necessary.
During Trump's second inauguration, which took place on January 20 in a scaled-down event due to weather conditions, NBC News reported that no survivor was designated. This sparked speculation, as tradition dictates that there should always be someone in this role.
What happened to the designated survivor at Trump’s inauguration?
Although there was no official explanation given, some experts point out that the current context, with most of the cabinet members following events from remote locations due to the pandemic, could have influenced the decision. While the series starring Sutherland takes creative liberties, its plot highlights the importance of this figure in government stability.
In reality, designated survivors have included secretaries of Agriculture, Housing, and Energy, such as Sonny Perdue, who took on that role during Trump's first State of the Union address. Although this year the designated survivor figure was absent, its existence underscores the importance of anticipating extreme scenarios to ensure the continuity of leadership in the United States.