The concept of a "designated survivor" has inspired intrigue and mystery for decades, even inspiring a TV show. But what does the role entail?

As part of the proceedings, a cabinet member is normally selected as a “designated survivor.” A top government official is typically chosen as the designated survivor as a way to maintain the ...

The phrase also inspired the TV show Designated Survivor, which ran on ABC and Netflix from 2016 through 2019. In the show, a housing and urban development secretary, played by Kiefer Sutherland ...

But, when the rest of the government is gathered together for a big event, like President Donald Trump ‘s joint congressional address Tuesday night, a designated survivor is kept away to ensure ...

For a brief period, while the rest of the government is gathered together, a designated survivor is kept away to ensure ...

Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins has been named the designated survivor for President Donald Trump's speech to Congress. During major government events, a "designated survivor" is selected ...

He or she will watch the speech from afar, representing the doomsday president in waiting, a title informally known as the "designated survivor." One person is selected to sit out high-profile ...

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins will serve as designated survivor during President Donald Trump's joint address to Congress on Tuesday. Collins will not be in attendance for the speech ...