Georgia Politician Chosen as State of the Union's Designated Survivor

Doug Collins, the U.S. Cabinet VA Secretary, sat out the annual address in case of catastrophe.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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During the annual State of the Union address, a politician in the presidential line of succession is chosen to sit the event out, serving as the designated survivor who could run the country in case of a catastrophic attack. On Tuesday, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins, formerly a representative from Georgia's 9th district, was identified as the designated survivor for this year's State of the Union.

Why it matters

The designated survivor protocol is an important safeguard to ensure continuity of government in the event of a disaster striking during a major political event. Collins' selection highlights his position in the presidential line of succession and the gravity of the role, should he ever need to step in and lead the country.

The details

Collins, who was also selected as the designated survivor for Trump's joint address to Congress last year, currently sits on the president's cabinet after being appointed in 2025. According to the Presidential Succession Act of 1947, he would be 17th in line for the presidency should a catastrophe take place. During the State of the Union, Collins was taken to an undisclosed location to be kept safe.

  • On Tuesday, Doug Collins was identified as the designated survivor for the State of the Union address.
  • Collins was also selected as the designated survivor for Trump's joint address to Congress last year.

The players

Doug Collins

The U.S. Cabinet VA Secretary and former representative from Georgia's 9th district, who was chosen as the designated survivor for the State of the Union address.

Harry Truman

The president who signed the Presidential Succession Act of 1947, which outlines the line of succession.

Donald Trump

The current president, whose line of succession was outlined in the article.

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The takeaway

The designation of a 'designated survivor' is a critical safeguard to ensure continuity of government in the event of a disaster during a major political event. Collins' selection highlights his position in the presidential line of succession and the gravity of the role, should he ever need to step in and lead the country.