As President Donald Trump prepares to address Congress on Tuesday night, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are using their invited guests to highlight key policy issues. Democratic lawmakers have invited individuals they say have been harmed by Trump’s policies, while Republicans are bringing guests who reflect their priorities on border security, energy, and conservative values.
Democrats Highlight Impact of Trump’s Policies
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) have encouraged their colleagues to bring guests who illustrate the consequences of the Trump administration’s federal job cuts, Medicaid restrictions, and trade tariffs.
Among the notable guests:
- Fired federal workers: Alissa Ellman, a disabled veteran let go from the Buffalo Veterans Affairs Office, and Jason King, a former Federal Aviation Administration employee, will attend as guests of Senators Chuck Schumer and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), respectively.
- Medicaid recipients: Jessica Martinez and Ana Medina Garcia, both cancer survivors who rely on Medicaid, will be guests of Schumer. Dominic Rampa, a teenager from Nevada who depends on Medicaid for treatment of multiple genetic disorders, will attend as a guest of Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.).
- Small business owners affected by tariffs: Allison Hope, executive director of the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association, says the 25% tariff on Canadian maple syrup will hurt local businesses. She will be a guest of Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.).
In addition, several California Democrats will bring firefighters impacted by federal budget cuts to emergency services.
Republicans Highlight Immigration, Energy, and Conservative Values
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and other Republicans have also invited guests who align with their policy priorities:
- Border security: Tom Homan, former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, will attend as a guest of Speaker Johnson.
- Victims of illegal immigration: Olivia Hayes, a widow whose husband was killed in a car crash involving an undocumented immigrant, will attend as Johnson’s guest.
- Energy industry leaders: Ben Dell, a natural gas executive, will be among the Republican invitees.
Some high-profile conservative figures will also be in attendance, including Ben Shapiro and Matt Walsh, commentators for the Daily Wire, as well as Riley Gaines, an activist opposing transgender participation in women’s sports.
Boycotts and Alternative Events
A handful of Democratic lawmakers plan to skip Trump’s speech. Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) will meet with constituents instead. Others, including Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), will participate in a live “prebuttal” hosted by Democratic advocacy group MoveOn.
As Trump touts his administration’s achievements, the presence of these guests in the chamber will serve as a visible reminder of the deep policy divisions in Washington.
