As President Donald Trump began his State of the Union speech on Wednesday night (Finnish time), one of his cabinet members was observing from a secret location under the watch of the U.S. Secret Service. This cabinet member is referred to as the designated survivor, an individual from the government who is not attending the event in person. The designated survivor is specifically chosen from the presidential line of succession and is kept away from other top officials in attendance, acting as a precautionary measure in the event of a catastrophic situation that could incapacitate the president, vice president, or other senior officials.

This measure is implemented to ensure continuity of government in case a disaster strikes, such as a terror attack or any disastrous event during significant national addresses like the State of the Union. The practice of designating a survivor dates back to the 1950s during the Cold War, when the focus on potential attacks heightened due to geopolitical tensions. The essential aim is to have a line of leadership that can step in and stabilize the government's functioning in dire situations.

U.S. media outlet CNN highlighted that the designated survivor, while remaining out of the spotlight, plays an integral role in maintaining the stability of the country’s leadership during critical moments. This process reflects ongoing concerns related to national security and the necessity of being prepared for any potential threats during major public addresses, establishing a carefully crafted contingency plan that underscores the importance of safety within the American political system.