Michael Knowles and Isabel Brown of The Daily Wire will attend President Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday as guests of Republican leaders. The U.S. men's Olympic hockey team has accepted an invitation from Trump, while the women's team has declined due to prior commitments. The event highlights growing conservative media influence in Washington amid Democratic counter-programming.
The State of the Union address, scheduled for Tuesday evening, will feature guests from The Daily Wire, underscoring the outlet's increasing presence in the nation's capital. Michael Knowles, a commentator, podcaster, and author, will attend as the guest of House Speaker Mike Johnson. This marks Knowles' second appearance, following his invitation by Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) in 2024. Johnson praised Knowles, stating, “Michael Knowles is one of America’s most influential commentators on politics and culture and a major asset to the conservative movement. As an author, podcaster, and commentator, Michael has done exceptional work advancing our cause and speaking truth with clarity and conviction. It’s my distinct honor to host him at the Capitol for President Trump’s State of the Union address.”
Isabel Brown, another Daily Wire contributor, will join West Virginia Congressman Riley Moore (R). It is Brown's first State of the Union attendance. Moore highlighted her work, saying, “I am honored to announce that Isabel Brown will join me as my guest for President Trump’s State of the Union address. Isabel is a devout Catholic who stands firm in her beliefs and works continuously to promote faith, family, and freedom in her work at The Daily Wire. Isabel inspires countless Americans to stand firm in their faith, and I am glad to welcome her as my guest.”
The Daily Wire's expanded role includes Mary Margaret Olohan as its first White House correspondent, securing a permanent seat in the briefing room. Knowles and Brown have conducted interviews with administration officials, such as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Among other Republican guests are members of the U.S. Men’s Olympic Hockey Team, invited by Trump after their gold medal win in Milan—the first since 1980. Trump personally called the team post-victory over Canada, joking, “I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that,” and adding that failing to invite them might lead to impeachment. Players responded enthusiastically, saying, “We’re in!” despite flight delays from a Northeast winter storm, rerouting them to Miami before heading to Washington.
In contrast, the U.S. Women’s Olympic Hockey Team, which also won gold against Canada with a game-winning goal by Megan Keller in overtime, declined the invitation. A USA Hockey spokesman stated, “We are sincerely grateful for the invitation extended to our gold medal–winning U.S. Women’s Hockey Team and deeply appreciate the recognition of their extraordinary achievement,” citing prior academic and professional commitments.
House Speaker Johnson noted logistical challenges for hosting the teams, saying, “There’s no way to have special guests on the floor because it’s a literal session of Congress. But we’re going to work and do what we can to accommodate.”
Democrats plan counter-events, including a “prebuttal” by Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) streamed on MeidasTouch, an opposition response by Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D), and a “People’s State Of The Union” rally on the National Mall. Some lawmakers, like Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA), will skip the address to attend the rally. The Daily Wire will provide live coverage from multiple locations starting at 7:45 p.m. ET.
