Rep. Mike Thompson Named Designated Survivor for Trump’s State of the Union, Voices Sharp Criticism
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a rare move that underscored the deep political divisions surrounding President Donald Trump’s administration, Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., revealed on February 24, 2026, that he was selected as one of the designated survivors for the upcoming State of the Union address. As a designated survivor, Thompson will not attend the speech in person but instead will watch from a secure, undisclosed location, a precautionary measure intended to preserve continuity of government in the event of a catastrophic incident.
Thompson, a vocal critic of the Trump administration’s immigration policies, used the announcement to sharply condemn what he described as “unlawful” actions by the president and federal agencies. In a post on the social media platform X, the congressman stated, “Americans deserve accountability for the militarization of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, terrorization of our communities and killing of American citizens.” His remarks come amid ongoing national debates over immigration enforcement and civil liberties.
Designated survivors are typically chosen from among members of the president’s cabinet or congressional leadership to ensure that someone in the presidential line of succession remains safe during major events such as the State of the Union. This year’s selection of a Democrat from California highlights the bipartisan nature of the protocol, even as political tensions run high.
While Thompson will be absent from the House chamber, his guest at the address will be Bernie Narvaez, a Marine Corps veteran, small business owner, and City Councilmember from Napa, California. Thompson praised Narvaez as “a shining example of what it means to be a public servant and to fulfill the American Dream,” underscoring the congressman’s commitment to highlighting voices from his district.
The State of the Union, scheduled for the evening of February 24, is expected to focus heavily on the administration’s record and future agenda. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt previewed the speech by emphasizing President Trump’s “record-setting accomplishments and ambitious agenda,” particularly in areas related to national security and economic growth.
Thompson’s decision to publicly identify himself as a designated survivor and to criticize the administration’s immigration enforcement policies places him at the center of a broader national conversation. The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE and other agencies, has faced scrutiny from civil rights groups and lawmakers alike regarding the treatment of immigrants and the use of force.
Data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection continues to show fluctuating numbers of border apprehensions and enforcement actions, fueling debates about the balance between security and humanitarian concerns. Meanwhile, the American Civil Liberties Union and other advocacy organizations have called for increased oversight and reforms to immigration enforcement practices.
As the nation watches the State of the Union unfold, Thompson’s role as designated survivor and outspoken critic serves as a reminder of the complex and often contentious political landscape that defines contemporary American governance. His absence from the chamber will be noted not only for its symbolic significance but also for the pointed message it conveys about accountability and justice in immigration policy.
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