U.S. Men's Hockey Team, Epstein Survivors Invited to State of the Union

President Trump's address will feature notable guests from sports and advocacy groups

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Olympic gold-winning U.S. men's hockey team and several survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking scheme will be among the dozens of people invited to attend President Donald Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday. Trump has also invited a foster youth and a student from an AI-focused school to sit with First Lady Melania Trump. However, some Democratic lawmakers plan to skip the speech or attend alternative events in protest of Trump's policies.

Why it matters

The State of the Union address is a high-profile platform for the president to highlight key priorities and achievements. Trump's guest list reflects an effort to showcase American athletic success and give a voice to survivors of high-profile abuse cases. However, the boycotts by some Democratic lawmakers underscore the continued political divisions in the country.

The details

Trump invited the U.S. men's hockey team to the State of the Union after their gold medal win against Canada. The women's team, who also won gold, declined the invitation. Trump also invited two individuals to sit with the First Lady: Sierra Burns, a participant in the Foster Youth to Independence program, and Everest Nevraumont, a student at an AI-focused school. Several Democratic members of Congress invited survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking scheme to attend the speech.

  • The State of the Union address will take place on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
  • The U.S. men's hockey team won the gold medal in Milan, Italy two days prior to the State of the Union.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, hosting his first State of the Union address during his second term in office.

Melania Trump

The First Lady of the United States, who invited two guests to sit with her during the State of the Union address.

U.S. Men's Hockey Team

The Olympic gold-winning U.S. men's hockey team, who were invited by President Trump to attend the State of the Union address.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late financier who was convicted of sex trafficking crimes, with several of his survivors invited to attend the State of the Union by Democratic members of Congress.

Sierra Burns

A participant in President Trump's Foster Youth to Independence program, who was invited by the First Lady to attend the State of the Union.

Everest Nevraumont

A student at a school that incorporates artificial intelligence curriculum, who was invited by the First Lady to attend the State of the Union.

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What they’re saying

“After watching President Trump run roughshod over the Constitution, display utter disregard for Congress, and openly engage in corruption as he and his family use the office to enrich themselves and tarnish this country that I love, I will not give him the dignity of having my presence at the State of the Union.”

— Ami Bera, U.S. Representative (The Hill)

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

The State of the Union guest list reflects the continued political divisions in the country, with the president highlighting American athletic success and giving a voice to survivors of high-profile abuse cases, while some Democratic lawmakers boycott the event in protest. The address will serve as a platform for the president to outline his agenda for the second half of his term.