President Donald Trump is set to deliver a primetime address akin to a State of the Union speech, with a diverse audience expected to fill the House chamber. Among the 200-300 guests in attendance are individuals invited by the President and First Lady Melania Trump, as well as those requested by members of Congress. Notable figures include the families of fallen Americans, such as Corey Comperatore, a firefighter killed during an attempted assassination on Trump, and nursing student Laken Riley, who was murdered by an undocumented man. The guest list also features individuals like steel plant worker and foster parent Jeff Denard, widow Stephanie Diller, recently released American teacher Marc Fogel, and others with compelling stories.
On the other side of the aisle, Democratic lawmakers are using their invitations to highlight individuals affected by Trump’s policies. Guests include army veteran Luke Graziani, who was laid off from a veterans hospital, a Minnesota park ranger fired unjustly, and small business owner Kianna Shlemon impacted by trade tariffs. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi invited Elena Hung, founder of Little Lobbyists advocating for Medicaid, to underscore the importance of the program for children with complex medical needs. These diverse guests add depth and perspective to the event, showcasing the range of issues and experiences shaping the political landscape.