Mike Thompson Serves as Designated Survivor During Trump's 2026 State of the Union Address

During President Trump's 2026 State of the Union address to the 119th Congress, California Congressman Mike Thompson served as the designated survivor, remaining at a secure, undisclosed location to ensure government continuity in case of a catastrophic event. Thompson watched the speech remotely while his guest, veteran and local official Bernie Narvaez, attended in person. The designated survivor tradition, dating back to the Cold War, safeguards the presidential line of succession during major gatherings of national leaders.