No Designated Survivor at Trump’s Inauguration: Kiefer Sutherland’s Job at Risk?

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Kiefer Sutherland is out of a job. 

During Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20th, an NBC representative noted that there wasn’t a designated survivor – someone from the cabinet who stays away from events as a precautionary measure in case of a major disaster. This term became well-known in 2016 due to the ABC thriller series starring Sutherland.

In today’s context, there isn’t anyone officially titled as the “Designated Survivor,” as a representative clarified during an NBC News broadcast on January 20, shared by X. This term might be familiar to some when considering a State of the Union address, where one cabinet member is kept away from the main group, having taken the oath of office, in case of an unforeseen threat to the stability of the government.

A representative admitted that during Donald Trump’s inauguration, it was solely members from Joe Biden’s current cabinet who took the oath. They added, “It seems there isn’t a designated survivor appointed today.

As for why? The NBC News correspondent noted, “I’m not sure.”

During Biden’s tenure as president, on various occasions, he did not have a designated survivor, including his joint address to Congress in April 2021. It’s worth noting that the identity of his designated survivor during his inauguration in 2021 was not publicly revealed, according to Military.com.

As a devoted follower, I’d express it like this: “During the coronavirus pandemic, I made clear that there was no necessity for a designated survivor since the Cabinet would be monitoring from their offices or homes. However, they wouldn’t participate in the speech with him.” (In this case, ‘I’ refers to Jen Psaki.)

During the 2025 inauguration of Trump, which was held in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington D.C. due to bad weather, several influential political figures were present. This included Melania Trump, President Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff, as well as former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton.

In this version, the text is rephrased to maintain the original meaning but with a more conversational tone, using simpler sentence structures and natural language.

Keep reading for every update on the 2025 Inauguration… 

As an ardent admirer, I found myself standing alongside Melania Trump, her elegance radiating in a coat by American designer Adam Lippes, and none other than President-elect Donald Trump, on the hallowed grounds of Washington D.C.’s St. John’s Church during the 2025 Inauguration Day celebrations, January 20th.

Incoming first daughter Ivanka Trump also put on her Monday best for the church services. 

As they welcomed the Trumps, President Joe Biden warmly expressed, “It’s great to be back home.

Vice President Kamala Harris and her spouse Doug Emhoff were present to greet the newly-arrived Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance at the White House as well.

Tiffany Trump, who is expecting a child, and her spouse Michael Boulos attended church services with her father on that occasion.

Ivanka’s former advisor was accompanied at the event by her spouse, Jared Kushner, along with their children Arabella, Joseph, and Theodore.

Trump pal Elon Musk took in the view as he arrived inside the Capitol Rotunda.

Prior to her speech, Minnesota senator Amy Klobuchar oversaw the exit of both Biden and Trump from the White House. Speaking about her role as chairperson of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, she expressed that despite policy disagreements, “I aim to ensure this event runs smoothly.

Present were some previous presidents and their spouses, including Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton (his wife), George W. Bush, and Laura Bush (his wife).

With wife Michelle Obama not attending, former president Barack Obama hung with the Bushes. 

New York City mayor Eric Adams worked the room at the Capitol. 

Legendary Canadian ice hockey player, Wayne Gretzky, along with his wife, Janet Jones, opted to attend the inauguration event.

In the gathering of affluent business tycoons, Rupert Murdoch (accompanied by his wife Elena Zhukova) – the former chairman of Fox Corporation – was one of the distinguished attendees.

Tech talk: Tesla CEO Musk socialized with Google CEO Sundar Pichai.  

As a lifestyle expert, I found myself marveling at the historical significance when Robert F. Kennedy, Trump’s choice for Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, graced the inauguration ceremony with his presence.

Kentucky senator Mitch McConnell held tight to wife Elaine Chao.

Influencer turned boxer Jake Paul was on hand with his brother, wrestler Logan Paul. 

Mark Zuckerberg, the head of Meta, was on stage along with Jeff Bezos from Amazon, Lauren Sanchez (Bezos’ fiancée), Pichai, and Elon Musk at the Capitol.

Trump’s children from his first marriage to Ivana Trump – Ivanka, Donald Trump Jr., and Eric Trump – convened together with Ivanka’s spouse, Jared Kushner.

Barron Trump, a student at New York University, went to Washington D.C. to witness his father, Donald Trump, being sworn in for his second term in office.

Tenor singer Christopher Macchio was selected to perform the National Anthem. In an interview with the Associated Press beforehand, he expressed his anticipation for seeing 100,000 people gathered on the National Mall. Unfortunately, he won’t get to see that crowd while he sings, but he still finds it an incredibly great honor.

Following the temporary shutdown and restoration of TikTok in the U.S., its CEO, Shou Zi Chew, made an appearance at the inauguration event.

In a recent appearance, the CEO of Apple, Tim Cook, was seen standing with Vivek Ramaswamy, a former U.S. presidential candidate, as well as Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota.

The president-elect attempted to sneak a kiss under his wife’s Eric Javits hat. 

Approaching midday, Vance swore the oath to assume his position as vice president, with his wife Usha and daughter Mirabel present as witnesses.

Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani captured the festivities. 

Minutes after Vance was sworn in, Trump took his oath of office for the second time. 

Instead of wearing his usual winter gear, Senator Bernie Sanders chose not to don mittens during the celebrations within the Capitol.

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2025-01-20 20:48