During President Trump’s State of the Union, Congressman Mike Thompson served as the designated survivor, a security measure ensuring government continuity. This role, though less dramatic than fiction suggests, requires constitutional eligibility and focuses the mind on potential catastrophic events. The practice, originating during the Cold War, ensures a successor is available if disaster strikes. During President Trump’s State of the Union, Congressman Mike Thompson served as the designated survivor, a security measure ensuring government continuity. This role, though less dramatic than fiction suggests, requires constitutional eligibility and focuses the mind on potential catastrophic events. The practice, originating during the Cold War, ensures a successor is available if disaster strikes.
