State of the Union 2026: Here is a look at who made the guest lists

Capitol Hill lawmakers and President Trump have invited an array of guests to the president’s State of the Union address Tuesday night, following the tradition of giving a seat to those who represent their political beliefs and/or the zeitgeist of American politics and culture.Trump has invited the U.S. mens and women’s hockey teams, each of which won a Gold Medal in the Winter Olympics in Italy that concluded this past weekend. The women’s team has declined the invitation, citing players having prior commitments. 
Others invitees include “detransitioner” Chloe Cole, YouTuber Nick Shirley and the family of one of Jeffrey Epstein’s most prominent accusers, Virginia Giuffre, who died last year.
Trump, in his speech to a joint session of Congress, will be joined on the House chamber’s dais by GOP Speaker Mike Johnson and Vice President JD Vance. The Supreme Court and first family are also expected to attend the event and sit in the audience, also following tradition.
Each congressional lawmaker is allowed to invite a guest, which this year will include law enforcement officials, Epstein victims, people impacted by the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown and company executives.
Epstein victims and survivors: 
Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, and Virginia Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, a fellow Democrat, said they are taking Giuffre family members.
“I’m grateful Sky and Amanda Roberts accepted our offer to honor Virginia’s memory and lead a chorus of voices from across America and the world demanding truth and justice, the opposite of what Trump and [Attorney General] Pam Bondi have been working for in their shocking cover-up,” Raskin said.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he is taking Dani Bensky, a ballerina who accused Epstein of abuse. And accusers Haley Robson and Jess Michaels were invited by California Rep. Ro Khanna and Virginia Rep. James Walkinshaw, respectively. All three members are Democrats.
Law enforcement officials: 
New York GOP Rep. Claudia Tenney is bringing Wayne County Sheriff Robert Milby, and Ohio GOP Rep. Dave Taylor is taking Clermont County Sheriff Chris Stratton.
Texas Sen. John Cornyn, who is running for reelection, is bringing National Border Patrol Council President Paul Perez.
“Perez plays an integral role in advocating for the policies needed to ensure the border is secure and our brave Border Patrol officers have the resources necessary to enforce federal immigration law,” Cornyn said. “I’m proud to welcome him to President Trump’s State of the Union address. 
Other prominent guests:
Missouri GOP Rep. Bob Onder is reportedly expected to bring Cole, a source confirmed to Just The News. 
Onder has recently reintroduced the “Chloe Cole Act,” which aims to strengthen legal protections for minors who undergo medical transgender procedures.
New Jersey GOP Rep. Chris Smith said he has invited the daughter of Hong Kong pro-democracy advocate Jimmy Lai.
Minnesota GOP Rep. Peter Stauber said he is taking Shirley and Independent journalist David Hoch.
Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott is taking Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary.
“Kevin is a fellow Floridian, a successful entrepreneur, and has long been a voice for economic growth in America,” Scott said in a statement. “Kevin understands what the American Dream means and like me, has lived his dream building businesses and creating jobs. 
Florida GOP Rep. Randy Fine said he is bringing his dog after he faced backlash for a comment he made last week about dogs and Muslims.

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