From Cabinet Secretary to Doomsday President: The Designated Survivor Experience

Being the designated survivor during major government events brings extra adrenaline and humbling thoughts about potentially becoming president after a catastrophic event.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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When the government gathers for major events like the State of the Union, a designated Cabinet secretary is kept away from the proceedings to ensure someone in the line of presidential succession survives in case of a catastrophic attack. Former officials who have served as designated survivors describe the experience as "sort of sobering" as they realize they could unexpectedly become president if disaster strikes. The concept dates back to Cold War fears of a nuclear attack on Washington, and designated survivors today are still prepared for the possibility of having to take over the presidency.

Why it matters

The designated survivor system is a longstanding protocol to ensure continuity of government in the event of a catastrophic attack or disaster that wipes out the president and other top officials. While the chances of a designated survivor actually having to assume the presidency are remote, the role highlights the gravity of the responsibilities they could unexpectedly inherit and the personal toll it can take, especially if their own family members are potentially among the victims.

The details

Former Cabinet secretaries who have served as designated survivors describe being flown to a secure location, often a military base, where they undergo briefings and watch the State of the Union or other event from afar. They are provided with a full staff, security details, and a gourmet meal prepared by the White House kitchen, but the reality of potentially becoming president in the event of a tragedy weighs heavily. The designated survivor concept was formalized in the 1980s amid fears of a Soviet nuclear attack, and the role continues today as the government prepares for all contingencies.

  • The designated survivor is chosen for each State of the Union address and other major government events.
  • The designated survivor system was formalized by the Carter and Reagan administrations in the 1980s.

The players

James Nicholson

President George W. Bush's veterans affairs secretary and designated survivor during the 2006 State of the Union.

Garrett M. Graff

Historian and journalist who wrote the book "Raven Rock: The Story of the U.S. Government's Secret Plan to Save Itself — While the Rest of Us Die."

Dan Glickman

President Bill Clinton's agriculture secretary and designated survivor during the 1997 State of the Union.

Alberto Gonzales

President George W. Bush's attorney general and designated survivor during the 2007 State of the Union.

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What they’re saying

“It focuses your mind. It also enhances your prayer that it doesn't happen to you.”

— James Nicholson, President George W. Bush's veterans affairs secretary (pbs.org)

“It was during that time that it sort of suddenly hit me, if something happened in the Capitol and everyone's killed, that I'd be president. It's sort of sobering. And you wonder, 'Would I be up to governing a wounded nation?'”

— Alberto Gonzales, President George W. Bush's attorney general (pbs.org)

“The enormity of that job. You think about, remote as it is, this is something you might have to do.”

— James Nicholson, President George W. Bush's veterans affairs secretary (pbs.org)

What’s next

The government continues to prepare for all contingencies, including training military helicopters to maintain continuity of government in the event of a catastrophic attack or disaster.

The takeaway

The designated survivor system highlights the gravity of the responsibilities that could unexpectedly fall to a low-profile Cabinet secretary in the event of a national tragedy. While the chances of a designated survivor having to assume the presidency are remote, the role underscores the government's efforts to ensure continuity of leadership in the face of unthinkable catastrophe.