WASHINGTON — Speaker Johnson announced his slate of guests for President Trump’s State of the Union address tonight. Read their names and Speaker Johnson’s quotes announcing their attendance below.
Claire Lai (Jointly hosted with Rep. Chris Smith): “Jimmy Lai has devoted his career to championing democracy in Hong Kong, steadfastly fighting for the freedoms we too often take for granted in America. Today, however, he sits in a Chinese prison cell for simply defending free speech and speaking out against the totalitarian repression of the Chinese Communist Party. As I made clear in my address to Parliament in the United Kingdom, America is determined to secure Jimmy’s release. Alongside my friend, Rep. Chris Smith, I will be proud to co-host his daughter, Claire Lai, who has shown extraordinary courage in the face of her father’s unjust imprisonment, as my guest for President Trump’s State of the Union address.”
“My wife, Marie, gave Claire her ticket to the State of the Union, because we are so deeply inspired by her courageous and tenacious campaign to obtain the release of her father—the Hong Kong free speech and religious liberty hero—Jimmy Lai,” Rep. Smith said. “She and her brother, Sebastien—who testified at a 2023 congressional hearing I chaired on Jimmy Lai—have been absolutely amazing in their past and ongoing appeal to Xi Jinping to release their dad. They love and respect their father so much, which further inspires us all to act—including President Trump, who has raised Jimmy Lai’s unjust incarceration numerous times. Read more in The New York Times.
Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen: “After years of meticulous planning and preparation, NASA is poised to launch its first crewed mission to venture around the moon in more than half a century. The Artemis II Crew – Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen – will embark on this historic journey carrying forward the hopes and dreams of all humanity. It is my privilege to welcome these brave and courageous astronauts as my guests at the State of the Union Address.” Read more in Axios.
Hanan Lischinsky: “On May 21, 2025, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim were murdered on the streets of Washington, D.C. These two young diplomats of the Israeli Embassy, devoted to the cause of peace and to one another, had their futures stolen in a violent act of antisemitism. Yaron’s brother, Hanan Lischinsky, has shown remarkable courage in shedding light on the extremism that took his brother’s life. I am honored to invite him as my guest for President Trump’s State of the Union address.” Read more in Jewish Insider.
Ziba Murat: “In 2018, Dr. Gulshan Abbas was forcibly detained and arrested by the Chinese Communist Party in the Xinjiang Uyghur autonomous region days after her family member spoke out about the CCP’s heinous treatment of Uyghur Muslims. As we continue to shine an international light upon China’s human rights abuses and call for the release of all those unjustly detained, it is my honor to invite Dr. Abbas’ daughter – Ziba Murat – as my guest at President Trump’s State of the Union Address.” Read more in The Hill.
Shirley Brock-Dennis, Kambreigh Smith: “It is my profound honor to host Shirley Brock-Dennis and Kambreigh Smith – the respective mother and fiance of Vivian Police Officer Marc Brock – as my guests for the State of the Union address. In November, Officer Brock was tragically killed in the line of duty. He was an extraordinary young man who touched countless lives through his service and volunteer activities, and his passing is a somber reminder of the tremendous risks our law enforcement officers take every single day. I am grateful that Shirley and Kambreigh will join us and help share Officer Brock’s story with the nation.” Read more in Fox News Digital.
Damon Magee: “I am honored to welcome Damon Magee to the U.S. Capitol as my guest for the President’s State of the Union address. Damon and his wife, Tammy, are the proud biological parents of two grown children, the adoptive parents of two, foster parents of one, and devoted foster care and adoption advocates in North Louisiana. The Magees represent just one of millions of families who will greatly benefit from Republicans’ historic pro-family tax policies – including the doubled Child Tax Credit and enhanced Adoption Tax Credit – which strengthen, support, and encourage families nationwide.” Read more in the Daily Signal.
Trotter Hunt: “I am glad Trotter Hunt will be joining us for President Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday. Trotter and his team at Hunt, Guillot & Associates are a driving force for large-scale business development, domestic investment, and American energy production in North Louisiana. Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts directly support American economic development and growth for businesses like HGA by restoring immediate expensing of research and development and eliminating burdensome regulations to restore American energy dominance.” Read more in the Shreveport Times.
Michael Knowles: “Michael Knowles is one of America’s most influential commentators on politics and culture and a major asset to the conservative movement. As an author, podcaster, and commentator, Michael has done exceptional work advancing our cause and speaking truth with clarity and conviction. It’s my distinct honor to host him at the Capitol for President Trump’s State of the Union Address.” Read more in the Daily Wire.
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