president Donald Trump Monday's swearing-in ceremony featured the largest and most complex security footprint of any inauguration in US history.
The nation's capital was transformed seemingly overnight from a pedestrian-friendly city into a fearsome, impenetrable fortress — the result of a multi-agency task force that erected a 30-mile-long anti-range fence, carried out coordinated aerial and drone surveillance, and saw the deployment of tens of thousands of security forces. Law, military, undercover agents, and National Guard trucks are all over the capital
Impressive security efforts by the entire government Opening day It was unprecedented, and not without reason: Trump was the victim of two assassination attempts during the 2024 campaign — including a shooter who got so close to him that he cut his ear — and a domestic threat landscape that was further exacerbated by the terrorist-inspired attack. The attack in New Orleans and the execution-style killing of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in midtown Manhattan late last year.
It is noteworthy, then, that this year's sprawling security footprint did not explicitly include one key element considered central to American tradition: naming a survivor.
A fence stands in front of the US Capitol building. (Eric Thayer/Getty Images)
In D.C., a tightly coordinated federal protection effort was carefully planned long before Trump's inauguration by the Secret Service and several other federal agencies.
It's a nod to recent security concerns and, more broadly, an attempt to protect the American body politic, foreign dignitaries, donors, and thousands in attendance from any catastrophe or mass threat.
The designated survivor, who in the event of a catastrophic event would assume responsibility for leading the United States in the aftermath of the crisis, is typically a Cabinet officer when major security events bring elected officials together, such as inaugurations and State of the Union addresses.
World leaders react to Trump's return to the White House
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attend the Commander-in-Chief's Gala at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., on January 20, 2025. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)
Previous survivors include former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, former Energy Secretary Rick Perry, and former Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who was chosen for the role during President Barack Obama's inauguration in 2009.
Obama retained Gates, who was appointed by George W. Bush and served in his post at the Pentagon until July 2011, according to his official. Ministry of Defense CV.
The location, and sometimes identity, of the survivor remains secret even after the event has ended and attendees have safely returned home. In high-profile events, a broader contingency plan is put in place.
Like Garrett Graf Reported in 2016Gates' role as designated survivor during Obama's inauguration also included support from another government heavyweight — James Clapper, then Undersecretary of Intelligence — who hid during the ceremony in the depths of an underground government bunker in Pennsylvania, a backup to the backup, if you will. that. It will, and a reference to the detailed succession plan carefully crafted by a group of defense, intelligence and other federal agencies over more than 40 years.
It was therefore notable that no survivors were identified during the 47th Presidential Inauguration.
Trump's inauguration guest list includes tech giants Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk
President Donald Trump attends the Commander-in-Chief's ceremony in honor of his inauguration in Washington on January 20, 2025. (Reuters/Daniel Cole)
No reason was given for the absence of the designated survivor, who was the first This was reported by NBC News.
It is possible that a coordinated security presence in the run-up to January 20 will be sufficient to protect against any threats.
Democrats promise to 'stand up' to Trump but praise 'peaceful transfer of power' after speech
President Donald Trump reviews troops during his inauguration ceremony in Emancipation Hall of the US Capitol on January 20, 2025. (Greg Nash/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)
It is also possible that the event, which was held indoors and therefore limited to the public and members of the media, was limited enough to not guarantee a designated survivor.
Prior to the event, FBI and Secret Service personnel emphasized strict security measures in place and careful screening of any attendees who obtained tickets.
David Sandberg of the FBI's Washington field office He told Fox News earlier This week, the office did not track “any specific or credible threats” to Inauguration Day.
“All attendees will be subject to screening,” said Matt McCall, special agent in charge of the Secret Service's Washington field office.
These individuals told Fox News that the fence alone outweighs any other national private security event in the past.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Dedicated checkpoints will be established for members of the public interested in attending the inauguration,” McCaul said ahead of the inauguration, a protocol that also applies to attendees at the modified Capital One ceremonies, which were moved indoors due to freezing temperatures.
no The white houseDHS and the FBI immediately responded to Fox News Digital's request for comment on the absence of designated survivors.
Fox News Digital's Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.
