High-Profile Guests Make Notable Appearances at Trump’s State of the Union Address

Prominent figures from business, media, sports, and various other sectors were in attendance at President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday evening, with several receiving special recognition during the president’s speech.

In a moment highlighting his condemnation of political violence, Trump acknowledged Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed by a gunman at age 31 while hosting a political debate at Utah Valley University in September 2025.

“We must all come together to reaffirm that America is one nation under God, and we must totally reject political violence of any kind,” Trump declared during the address.

The president also welcomed the U.S. men’s hockey team, fresh off their gold medal victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. “Congratulations to team U.S.A.,” Trump said as the players entered the chamber to applause.

In a touching ceremony during the address, Trump awarded the Purple Heart to Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe and posthumously to Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom. Both National Guard members were victims of an ambush attack in Washington, D.C. last year, with Beckstrom fatally wounded in the incident. Major General James “Jim” D. Seward, Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard, presented Beckstrom’s medal to her parents and pinned the Purple Heart on Staff Sergeant Wolfe in the viewing gallery.

“I’m going to ask a highly respected General James Seward to present Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe and the great family of Sarah Beckstrom, with the award created by our late, great president, George Washington himself,” Trump said. “It’s called the Purple Heart. We love you all.”

First Lady Melania Trump invited 10-year-old Everest Nevraumont, a youth advocate for education through artificial intelligence, highlighting the administration’s focus on preparing future generations for technological advancement.

The president also used the occasion to spotlight his foreign policy achievements, particularly in Venezuela. He introduced Enrique Márquez, a former political prisoner of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Earlier in 2026, U.S. forces captured Maduro in a surprise operation, giving Trump significant leverage in negotiations over Venezuela’s future. The White House arranged for Márquez to be reunited with his family at the State of the Union.

“We’re working closely with the new president of Venezuela to unleash extraordinary economic gains for both of our countries,” Trump noted during his address.

Several high-profile business figures were also in attendance, though not all received direct mentions from the president. Kevin O’Leary, the “Shark Tank” television personality and entrepreneur known for O’Leary Ventures and O’Leary Fine Wines, has recently emerged as a political commentator providing insights on voter sentiments and political messaging strategies.

David Ellison, the chairman and CEO of Paramount Skydance Corporation, was invited by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). Ellison, who has previously made donations to Democratic candidates but now describes himself as a friend of President Trump, has been making headlines for his attempted acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery – a move that would significantly consolidate power in the media industry if successful.

“Honored to have David Ellison as my guest to POTUS’ State of the Union address this evening,” Graham posted on social media platform X.

The carefully selected guests and their stories served as powerful symbols throughout the address, allowing the president to highlight his administration’s priorities and accomplishments while paying tribute to American achievement, sacrifice, and resilience across different sectors of society.