Rep. Mike Thompson Named Designated Survivor for State of the Union

Representative Mike Thompson, a Democrat from California, has been designated as one of the survivors for President Donald Trump’s upcoming State of the Union address on Tuesday night. Interestingly, those selected as designated survivors don’t attend the event but rather watch from a secure location.

Thompson shared his status on social media, stating, “I have been chosen to be the designated survivor for tomorrow’s State of the Union address, so even though I won’t be there in person, I will be watching. Americans must hold ICE accountable for militarizing its forces in our communities and the consequences that follow.”

While Thompson won’t be present, his guest for the event will be Bernie Narvaez, a Marine Corps veteran, small business owner, and Napa City Councilman. Thompson praised Narvaez, saying, “Bernie is a shining example of what it means to be a public servant and live the American dream.” He expressed honor in having Narvaez represent their district, highlighting his diverse roles – a veteran, businessman, and family man – as crucial in understanding the importance of civic duty and economic responsibility.

In a separate statement, Thompson criticized Trump and his administration, saying, “Since the day he took office, this president has raised money for hard-working families, unleashed ICE to terrorize communities, and threatened illegal military attacks on foreign countries.” He added that Trump’s unpopularity stems from his failure to address key issues affecting everyday Americans.

Designated survivors are selected to ensure government continuity during significant events like the State of the Union. This practice, established during the Cold War, involves keeping individuals in secure, undisclosed locations. While traditionally linked to cabinet members, members of Congress may also serve in this capacity due to the importance of maintaining leadership succession.