President Donald Trump used his first State of the Union address of his second term on February 24th (local time) to rally support for his policies and values by inviting individuals who embody his “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) agenda.
To underscore the importance of his tough immigration policies, Trump invited families of crime victims. He too highlighted stories of individuals who have benefited from his tax cuts, showcasing them as examples of economic success. Throughout the address, these invited guests served as powerful illustrations of the President’s key priorities, consistently met with standing ovations from Republican lawmakers.
The most notable guests of the evening were the members of the U.S. Men’s National Ice Hockey team, who secured a historic gold medal victory at the 2026 Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics, defeating Canada in the final to end a 46-year drought in the event. President Trump called for the hockey team to come forward during his speech, and the players emerged, proudly displaying their gold medals as they walked through the aisle. The entire chamber, including members of the opposing party, rose to give the team a roaring ovation. The President also announced plans to award Connor Hellebuyck, the standout goaltender from the championship game, with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
Other invitees recognized for their heroic actions and conservative principles included Scott Ruskan, a U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer who was honored for his bravery during the Texas floods last July, receiving an award on the spot. Erica Kirk, the wife of the late Charlie Kirk, a young conservative activist who was tragically murdered last September, was also in attendance and acknowledged by the President during his address.
Several individuals impacted by illegal immigration also received invitations. Delia Coleman, a 7-year-old girl currently undergoing rehabilitation after being injured in an accident caused by a driver who was in the country illegally, attended with her father. President Trump used Coleman’s story to advocate for the passage of “Delia’s Law,” which would prohibit issuing commercial driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants.
Trump contrasted the current situation with what he described as the open border and lenient criminal justice policies of the Biden administration, arguing that these policies directly harmed the families he invited. This move comes amid increased scrutiny of immigration enforcement following a recent incident in Minnesota last month where two U.S. Citizens were fatally shot by ICE agents, and appears to be an effort to reinforce the legitimacy of his administration’s strict immigration policies.
The President also highlighted individuals who have benefited from his economic policies, such as Megan Hemhauser, a working mother whose family has seen positive impacts from the Trump administration’s tax cuts.
According to the New York Times, Democratic lawmakers responded by inviting individuals who represent opposing viewpoints to counter Trump’s message and highlight their concerns regarding his policies.
이종혜 기자
