Why was there no designated survivor during Trump's inauguration, despite nearly all of DC shutting down?

The swearing-in ceremony of President Donald Trump on Monday had the most intricate security arrangements of any U.S. inauguration.

In a matter of days, Washington D.C. went from a city that was friendly to pedestrians to a formidable and impregnable fortress, thanks to the efforts of a joint task force that constructed 30 miles of anti-scale fencing, implemented aerial surveillance and drones, and deployed thousands of law enforcement, military personnel, undercover agents, and national guard trucks throughout the city.

The unprecedented whole-of-government security effort on Inauguration Day was justified due to the two assassination attempts against Trump during the 2024 campaign, including a shooter who nearly severed his ear, and the heightened domestic threat landscape resulting from the terrorist-inspired attack in New Orleans and the execution-style killing of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan late last year.

Notably, this year's extensive security plan did not include a designated survivor, which is a fundamental tradition in the United States.

Federal protection efforts in D.C. were meticulously planned by the Secret Service and numerous federal agencies prior to Trump's inauguration.

The event aims to safeguard the U.S. body politic, foreign dignitaries, donors, and attendees from any mass catastrophe or threat, while also addressing recent security concerns.

Typically, the designated survivor, who would lead the U.S. in the event of a catastrophe, is a Cabinet officer when elected officials are all in one place during major security events, such as inaugurations and State of the Union addresses.

During President Barack Obama's inauguration in 2009, former Defense Secretary Robert Gates was among the designated survivors.

George W. Bush's appointee, Gates, remained in his Pentagon role under Obama until July 2011, as per his official Defense Department biography.

In high-profile events, a broader contingency plan is in place, and the survivor's location and identity are kept confidential until after the event disperses and its attendees have safely returned home.

During Obama's inauguration, Gates had the support of another government heavyweight, James Clapper, who was in an underground government bunker in Pennsylvania as a backup to the backup, indicating the meticulously planned succession process involving multiple federal agencies.

Notably, no designated survivor was named during the 47th presidential inauguration.

NBC News first reported the absence of the designated survivor without providing a reason.

The security measures put in place before Jan. 20 were deemed sufficient to prevent any threats.

The designated survivor was not needed for the event, which was held indoors and restricted to the public and news media.

Before the event, FBI and Secret Service agents emphasized the strict security protocols and thorough screening of all ticket holders.

Earlier this week, David Sundberg of the FBI's Washington Field Office stated to Planet Chronicle that the bureau was not monitoring any "specific or credible threats" for Inauguration Day.

The Secret Service's Washington Field Office's special agent in charge, Matt McCool, stated that all attendees will undergo screening.

According to Planet Chronicle, these individuals claimed that the fencing at the event is more significant than any other designated National Special Security Event in the past.

"Checkpoints will be established for attendees of the inauguration and Capital One festivities, which were moved indoors due to cold weather," McCool announced prior to the events.

No response was received from the White House, DHS, or FBI regarding the lack of a designated survivor, as requested by Planet Chronicle Digital.

Planet Chronicle Digital's Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.