Trump Invites Diverse Guests to State of the Union Address

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President Donald Trump will deliver his fourth State of the Union address on Tuesday, and his guest list reflects a diverse range of issues and personal stories. Guests will include the widow of conservative speaker Charlie Kirk, as well as the parents of a National Guard member fatally shot in Washington, D.C. in 2025.

Why it matters

The State of the Union guest list is often used by presidents to highlight specific policy priorities and personal narratives. Trump's selections suggest he aims to address a wide range of topics, from conservative activism to public safety concerns in the nation's capital.

The details

Trump's guest list for the 2026 State of the Union address includes Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative speaker Charlie Kirk, as well as the parents of a National Guard member who was fatally shot on the streets of Washington, D.C. in November 2025. The inclusion of these guests is seen as a way for Trump to draw attention to issues important to his base, such as conservative activism, as well as public safety concerns in major cities.

• President Trump will deliver his fourth State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.
• In November 2025, a National Guard member was fatally shot on the streets of Washington, D.C.