What is the designated survivor? The first time a designated survivor was named was in 1981, when Education Secretary Terrel Bel was tapped by former President Ronald Reagan.

There was no designated survivor in 2021 as the COVID-19 pandemic reduced the number of cabinet secretaries who attended. Janet Yellen, Secretary of the Treasury, was the de-facto "designated ...

A government official is chosen as the designated survivor during high-profile political events to maintain the presidential line of succession in the event of a catastrophe. Here's how it works.

A government official is chosen as the designated survivor during high-profile political events to maintain the presidential line of succession in the event of a catastrophe. Here's how it works.

A government official is chosen as the designated survivor during high-profile political events to maintain the presidential line of succession in the event of a catastrophe. Here's how it works.

A government official is chosen as the designated survivor during high-profile political events to maintain the presidential line of succession in the event of a catastrophe. Here's how it works.

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

A government official is chosen as the designated survivor during high-profile political events to maintain the presidential line of succession in the event of a catastrophe. Here's how it works.

The designated survivor would bear responsibility to lead the U.S. if the president, vice president and Speaker of the House ...

A government official is chosen as the designated survivor during high-profile political events to maintain the presidential line of succession in the event of a catastrophe. Here's how it works.

A government official is chosen as the designated survivor during high-profile political events to maintain the presidential line of succession in the event of a catastrophe. Here's how it works.

A government official is chosen as the designated survivor during high-profile political events to maintain the presidential line of succession in the event of a catastrophe. Here's how it works.