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 — his first since returning to office — gives him a chance to talk up his 

 in prime time. And almost as revealing as what he will say is who he will say it to.

The president and first lady, as well as members of Congress across the political spectrum, have invited guests to the address, as is customary.

Plus-ones typically represent the themes of a president's address. They 

 on the administration's priorities — and signify a lawmaker's support or opposition to them.

This year's guest list is no different, according to the announcements ahead of Trump's speech, which is expected to touch on everything from immigration to the economy to foreign policy.

 roughly a dozen invitees, meant to bring "incredible stories about the disaster wrought by the previous administration, and the historic achievements President Trump has already enacted to usher in the Golden Age of America."

 and Jocelyn Nungaray, who were killed by men in the U.S. without legal status; as well as anti-transgender advocates, the relatives of Corey Comperatore, the 

 at the rally where Trump survived an assassination attempt and 

, the American teacher that Trump helped free from Russian prison last month.

Democrats, on the other hand, are bringing people they say have been hurt by Trump's policies.

to "elevate the stories of everyday Americans who are being harmed in real time by House Republicans and the Trump administration."

Many of the Democrats' guests are former federal workers who were laid off from various agencies as part of the 

 known as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Other guests rely on Medicaid. Republican lawmakers are 

 to the health insurance program as a way to finance Trump's agenda. Republicans hope to make those cuts later this year using a feature of the budget process known as reconciliation. 

Here's a look at some of the names on the guest list — and the themes they represent.

Many Democrats invited people from their home state who were fired from various federal agencies in recent weeks. Here's a sampling:

Other Democrats are bringing constituents who depend on Medicaid for health insurance and life-saving care, including:

Firefighters and law enforcement officers

Two California Democrats are bringing firefighters who battled the 

 earlier this year, highlighting the need for federal aid in the region as well as better treatment for federal firefighters.

Some Republicans, meanwhile, are bringing members of local law enforcement from their communities.

Several lawmakers are bringing people whose industries are threatened by Trump's long-promised 

, which prompted retaliatory measures shortly after taking effect on Tuesday.

Americans impacted by the Israel-Hamas war

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are bringing people directly affected by the war in Gaza, including several family members of Israelis who were kidnapped on Oct. 7 and are still held hostage by Hamas.

 in June 2024 and appealed for a ceasefire at the 

Politicians also are inviting prominent figures in conservative media — both the subjects of coverage and some commentators themselves.

Politics and Government News

Rachel Treisman

Author

The Trumps and lawmakers from across the aisle have invited guests to Tuesday's joint address, representing some of the administration's top priorities. Here's a look at some of the names on the list.

Fired federal workers are among the guests invited to Trump's speech to Congress

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