Speaker Johnson’s Guests Highlight Border Security, Energy Independence, and Support for Israel at Trump’s Address to Congress
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, representing Louisiana’s 4th congressional district, is strategically using his guest list for President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress to underscore key Republican priorities. These priorities include border security, energy independence, and unwavering support for the state of Israel. The selection of guests provides a powerful visual representation of the Republican agenda, directly addressing issues resonating with the party’s base and signaling the party’s intended direction under a potential second Trump administration.
The most prominent theme woven through Johnson’s guest list is a focus on border security. This emphasis reflects the Republican party’s long-standing concern over immigration policy and border control, which has intensified in recent years. The inclusion of Tom Homan, former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), directly aligns with this platform. Homan’s presence serves as a strong endorsement of the Trump administration’s previous hard-line immigration policies and signals an intention to reinstate and strengthen those measures if Trump returns to the White House. Furthermore, Homan has reportedly been tapped to serve as Trumps border czar. The phrase border czar hints at increased federal spending on border protection and a renewed national priority on reducing illegal immigration.
The tragic story of Olivia Hayes from Kinder, Louisiana, serves as a poignant example of the human cost associated with illegal immigration. Hayes lost her husband, Wesley Hayes, to a drunk driver who was reportedly an undocumented immigrant. By inviting Olivia Hayes, Speaker Johnson is elevating a personal tragedy to a national stage, attempting to foster empathy and understanding for the perceived consequences of inadequate border security. The story is likely intended to galvanize support for stricter immigration enforcement measures and potentially influence public opinion on the issue.
Highlighting energy independence is another cornerstone of the Republican agenda, particularly in resource-rich states like Louisiana. Ben Dell, Chairman of Commonwealth LNG, has been invited to attend the address. This gesture is directly tied to the Trump administration’s reversal of former President Joe Biden’s pause on new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export permits. This reversal was significant for the Commonwealth LNG project, which became one of the first major beneficiaries. The presence of Dell underscores the Republican belief that energy production is vital for economic growth, national security, and job creation, especially for states like Louisiana with major port facilities.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright’s prior announcement of the permit for the Commonwealth LNG project reinforces the administration’s commitment to strengthening the United States’ position as a global energy supplier. The presence of Ben Dell as a guest symbolizes the Republican party’s dedication to unleashing American energy potential, reducing reliance on foreign sources, and ensuring a reliable and affordable energy supply for the nation.
Finally, demonstrating solidarity with Israel and condemning terrorism is another crucial element of Speaker Johnson’s guest selection. Noa Argamani, who was taken hostage by Hamas during the terror group’s brutal attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, will be present. Argamani’s presence symbolizes the devastating impact of terrorism and underscores the United States’ unwavering support for Israel’s security. Her story offers a first-hand account of the horrors inflicted by Hamas and reinforces the need for strong measures to combat terrorism both domestically and internationally.
In addition to these key policy areas, Johnson’s guest list also includes figures from conservative media. Ben Shapiro and Matt Walsh, both prominent voices from The Daily Wire, are expected to attend as his guests. This inclusion emphasizes the importance of conservative media in shaping public discourse and amplifying the Republican message. Inviting Shapiro and Walsh acknowledges the role of conservative media outlets in reaching a broad audience and influencing public opinion on key issues.
As Speaker of the House, Johnson will occupy the traditional position on the dais behind President Trump during the address. The presence of his carefully selected guests sends a clear message about the Republican party’s priorities and vision for the nation’s future. The guest list serves as a powerful tool to communicate the party’s agenda, build support for its policies, and engage with the American public on issues of national importance.
This speech, while not formally a State of the Union address due to Trump’s having been out of office for a period, holds significant weight as a platform for laying out his vision for the country and rallying support for his policies, especially should he return to the White House following the 2024 election. It allows the potential candidate to communicate directly to the American people, shape the narrative surrounding his policy proposals, and reaffirm his commitment to the principles of the Republican party. Speaker Johnsons guests are an integral element in amplifying Trumps intended message.
