WASHINGTON, D.C. — First Lady Melania Trump has invited a diverse group of Americans to join her at the U.S. Capitol as special guests for President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday.
The invited guests include individuals and families who have faced personal tragedy, adversity, or have been directly impacted by policies of the previous administration. Others have been recognized for their contributions to their communities or their advocacy efforts.
Among the guests are the family of Corey Comperatore, the firefighter killed during an assassination attempt on President Trump in July 2024, as well as Marc Fogel, a Pennsylvania teacher recently freed from a Russian prison after being detained for over two years. Several invitees have been affected by violent crime, including the families of Laken Riley and Jocelyn Nungaray, two young women killed by undocumented immigrants.
The guest list also includes Payton McNabb, a former high school athlete who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a volleyball match, and January Littlejohn, a parents’ rights advocate who sued a Florida school board over gender identity policies.
Other honorees include longtime steelworker and volunteer firefighter Jeff Denard, former foster child Haley Ferguson, and Border Patrol agent Roberto Ortiz.
The First Lady’s guests will be seated with her in the House chamber as President Trump delivers his address, highlighting their experiences as examples of the administration’s priorities and policies.
The guests joining Melania Trump at the Capitol represent stories of tragedy, resilience, and advocacy as President Trump delivers his address to Congress.