Mike Johnson says Democrat boycott of State of the Union ‘shameful’ before listing Trump's invitees

WASHINGTON, DC: House Speaker Mike Johnson, on Tuesday, February 24, criticized Democrats who plan to skip President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, calling the move “shameful” ahead of POTUS' speech.

Johnson also outlined a list of invited guests and praised Trump’s first year back in office in his second term.

His remarks come as some Democratic lawmakers have opted to boycott the address or attend alternative events. Johnson said Republicans, regardless of party differences, do not skip such presidential addresses.

Mike Johnson criticizes Democrat boycott of SOTU

Johnson said it was “shameful” that some Democrats would not attend.

“It’s shameful that they would boycott an address. We don’t do that. Republicans don’t do that. Doesn’t matter if there’s a president form the opposing party. We don’t skip out,” Johnson said, adding that “constituents want and need us to be here.” 

Some Republicans, however, had previously skipped State of the Union addresses delivered by former President Joe Biden, citing various reasons, and at times caused disruptions during joint sessions.

That fact notwithstanding, Johnson took aim at Democrats holding counterevents instead of attending the speech. 

“For all of these theatrics, it doesn’t matter how many little gatherings they have, or where they stand or how high the volume is on the microphones, they have nothing to offer.”

Mike Johnson lists Trump's first-year wins

Johnson also highlighted what he described as the administration’s early achievements. 

“This evening, the entire country will hear an update on the full scope of POTUS' transformational and historic first year back in office. The results speak for themselves... inflation’s down, wages are up, investment is booming, the GDP is exceeding every expectation,” Johnson said.

Johnson also recounted a recent call from Trump regarding special guests. “The president called me Sunday night and he said, ‘Mike, we got to make some changes. We need some more guests,’” Johnson said.

“I said, ‘Mr. President, how many people are you talking about?’ ‘I think the whole team.’” Referring to the US men’s hockey team, Johnson added, “we’re going to work out logistics and somehow, some way, we’ll squeeze in the hockey players tonight and it’ll be a great moment for America.”

House Speaker announces guests for Trump's address

Johnson confirmed that Claire Lai, daughter of imprisoned Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai, will attend as his guest.

Lai was sentenced to 20 years in prison following a national security trial in Hong Kong. 

“Jimmy Lai has devoted his career to championing democracy in Hong Kong, steadfastly fighting for the freedoms we too often take for granted in America," Johnson said. "As I made clear in my address to Parliament in the United Kingdom, America is determined to secure Jimmy’s release... I will be proud to co-host his daughter Claire Lai.”

Johnson listed the other invited guests include NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen, who are slated for a future lunar mission; Hanan Lischinsky, brother of Yaron Lischinsky, one of two Israeli Embassy staffers killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum last year; Ziba Murat, daughter of detained Uyghur physician Dr. Gulshan Abbas; Shirley Brock-Dennis and Kambreigh Smith, mother and fiancée of fallen Louisiana Police Officer Marc Brock; Damon Magee, a Louisiana foster care and adoption advocate; Trotter Hunt, a Louisiana business leader; and conservative commentator Michael Knowles.