As Trump spoke at State of the Union, one Congressman stayed away: The designated survivor protocol explained

As US President Donald Trump addressed a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night (local time), one lawmaker was missing from the chamber. California Congressman Mike Thompson had been chosen as the designated survivor.

The role is part of a long-standing security protocol meant to protect the continuity of government. While the president, vice president, Cabinet members, Supreme Court justices, and congressional leaders gather in one place, one official stays away at a secure, undisclosed location.

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“I’ve been selected as a designated survivor for tomorrow’s State of the Union, so I won’t be there in person, but I’ll be watching,” Thompson posted on X ahead of the address.

I’ve been selected as a designated survivor for tomorrow’s State of the Union, so I won’t be there in person, but I’ll be watching. Americans deserve accountability for the militarization of ICE, terrorization of our communities and killing of American citizens. pic.twitter.com/ig3cFdQcCV

— Rep. Mike Thompson (@RepThompson) February 23, 2026

Also Read: ‘Tariffs worked’: Trump says trade policies fuelled US economic boom in 2026 State of the Union address 

What is the designated survivor?

As per CNN, the practice dates back to the Cold War. The concern then was simple: a single attack could wipe out the country’s top leadership. The designated survivor would then step in under the line of succession and could assume the presidency if needed.

Last year, Doug Collins, secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, held the role during Trump’s 2025 address.

Trump’s first address before 119th Congress

Tuesday’s speech marked Trump’s first State of the Union before the 119th Congress. He formally accepted the invitation from House Speaker Mike Johnson in January. Vice President JD Vance and Johnson sat behind him on the dais.

The official theme this year is “America at 250: Strong, Prosperous and Respected.”