The inauguration of President Donald Trump on Monday was marked by an unprecedented level of security, the most extensive and intricate in the history of American inaugurations.
The transformation of the nation's capital into a fortified stronghold was the result of a comprehensive, multi-agency operation. This operation involved the erection of 30 miles of anti-scale fencing, the coordination of aerial surveillance and drones, and the deployment of a massive force of law enforcement, military personnel, undercover agents, and national guard trucks throughout Washington D.C.
According to Fox News, the extraordinary security measures were necessitated by the heightened threat landscape. Trump had been the target of two assassination attempts during his 2024 campaign, one of which resulted in a bullet grazing his ear. The threat level was further escalated by a terrorist-inspired attack in New Orleans and the execution-style murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan late last year.
Despite the extensive security measures, one traditional component was notably absent from this year's inauguration: the naming of a designated survivor. This individual, typically a Cabinet officer, is entrusted with the responsibility of leading the U.S. in the aftermath of a catastrophic event that incapacitates elected officials gathered at major security events such as inaugurations and State of the Union addresses.
Past designated survivors have included former DHS secretary Jeh Johnson, former Energy Secretary Rick Perry, and former Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who was selected for the role during President Barack Obama's inauguration in 2009. Gates, a George W. Bush appointee, continued to serve in his Pentagon role under Obama until July 2011.
The location and sometimes the identity of the designated survivor remain confidential until after the event concludes and attendees have safely returned home. For high-profile events, a broader contingency plan is implemented. For instance, during Obama's inauguration, James Clapper, then the undersecretary of intelligence, was sequestered in an underground government bunker in Pennsylvania, serving as a backup to Gates.
The absence of a designated survivor at the 47th presidential inauguration was first reported by NBC News, and no explanation was provided for this omission. It's plausible that the comprehensive security measures implemented in the lead-up to January 20 were deemed sufficient to counter any potential threats. The event, which was held indoors and thus restricted to the public and members of the news media, may have been considered limited enough not to necessitate a designated survivor.
In the days leading up to the inauguration, FBI and Secret Service personnel emphasized the stringent security measures in place and the rigorous vetting of ticketed attendees. David Sundberg of the FBI's Washington Field Office informed Fox News that the bureau was not tracking "any specific or credible threats" for Inauguration Day. Matt McCool, special agent in charge of the Secret Service's Washington Field Office, assured that "all attendees will undergo screening."
These officials informed Fox News that the fencing alone exceeded any other National Special Security Event in the past. "Designated checkpoints will be set up for members of the public interested in attending the inauguration," McCool stated ahead of the inauguration. This protocol was also applied to attendees of the modified Capital One festivities, which were moved indoors due to frigid temperatures.
The White House, DHS, and the FBI did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment on the absence of a designated survivor. This report includes contributions from Fox News Digital's Elizabeth Elkind.
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