VA Secretary Doug Collins Named Designated Survivor for Trump’s Congressional Address

Collins will remain at a secure location during the joint session to ensure continuity of government in case of a catastrophe.

Doug Collins, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, has been chosen as the designated survivor for President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress on Tuesday night.
The designated survivor is a member of the presidential line of succession chosen to stay away from large government gatherings to ensure continuity of leadership in the event of a disaster.
Collins, confirmed as VA Secretary on February 5, 2025, is 17th in the presidential line of succession as outlined in the Presidential Succession Act of 1947.
This Cold War-era tradition ensures that the government can continue to function even in extreme scenarios, with designated survivors watching events from secure, undisclosed locations.
The practice has been used sparingly, typically during State of the Union addresses, inaugurations, or joint sessions of Congress, with Cabinet members often selected for the role.