WNY Guests to Attend Trump's State of the Union

Wayne County Sheriff, Honeoye Falls CEO among those invited to address

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Several people from Western New York, including Wayne County Sheriff Robert Milby and Ben Pearson, the founder and CEO of EISCO LLC in Honeoye Falls, are expected to be in the audience when President Donald Trump delivers his State of the Union address on Tuesday night. Milby was invited by Republican Rep. Claudia Tenney, while Pearson will attend as a guest of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Why it matters

The State of the Union address is a high-profile event where the president lays out their agenda and priorities. The guests invited often represent issues or stories the administration wants to highlight. Milby and Pearson's attendance suggests the president may address law enforcement and tariff policies that have impacted small businesses.

The details

Milby said he is curious to hear what the president says about law enforcement, especially regarding a recent proposal by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul that would prohibit local law enforcement from working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement for civil immigration operations. Pearson's company, EISCO, has had to lay off 20% of its staff and raise prices due to a 50% tariff on 80% of its goods, and he hopes the president will address the need for tariff relief for small businesses.

  • The State of the Union address is scheduled for Tuesday, February 25, 2026 at 9 p.m.

The players

Robert Milby

Wayne County Sheriff who was invited to attend the State of the Union as a guest of Republican Rep. Claudia Tenney.

Ben Pearson

Founder and CEO of EISCO LLC in Honeoye Falls, who will attend the State of the Union as a guest of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Claudia Tenney

Republican Congresswoman who invited Wayne County Sheriff Robert Milby to attend the State of the Union.

Chuck Schumer

Senate Minority Leader who invited Ben Pearson, the CEO of EISCO LLC, to attend the State of the Union.

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What they’re saying

“It still hasn't hit me yet, but it was an honor to be invited. It's great to be recognized for some of the work that we've been doing in New York state.”

— Robert Milby, Wayne County Sheriff (13WHAM)

“Ideally, there'd be some reprieve for small businesses against these tariffs and healthcare policies. Not looking for a subsidy, just looking for relief from being charged the tariffs as quickly as we're charged them in with no notice.”

— Ben Pearson, Founder and CEO of EISCO LLC (13WHAM)

What’s next

The State of the Union address is scheduled for Tuesday, February 25, 2026 at 9 p.m. After the speech, 13WHAM News will provide highlights and analysis.

The takeaway

The guests invited to the State of the Union, including a local sheriff and small business owner, suggest the president may address issues like law enforcement policies and the impact of tariffs on companies during his address. Their attendance highlights how the event is used to showcase specific policy priorities and personal stories.