House Speaker Mike Johnson will host Claire Lai, the daughter of imprisoned Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai, as his guest at President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address tonight, February 25, 2026.
The invitation, announced Monday and again on February 24, is intended to highlight the case of Lai, a pro-democracy publisher and vocal critic of the Chinese Communist Party. Lai was sentenced to 20 years in prison in December 2023 after being convicted of charges including conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and publishing seditious material – charges he denies. The UK government has described the sentence as “tantamount to a life sentence” given Lai’s age and health.
Speaker Johnson stated that Lai “has devoted his career to championing democracy in Hong Kong, steadfastly fighting for the freedoms we too often take for granted in America.” He further affirmed that the United States “is determined to secure Jimmy’s release,” as he stated in a recent address to Parliament in the United Kingdom.
Rep. Chris Smith, who will co-host Lai at the address, echoed Johnson’s sentiments, noting that his wife, Marie, personally extended the invitation. Smith praised Claire and her brother, Sebastien, who testified at a 2023 congressional hearing Smith chaired on Jimmy Lai, for their “courageous and tenacious campaign” to secure their father’s release. Smith as well highlighted President Trump’s repeated calls for Lai’s release.
Claire Lai has been actively advocating for her father’s release, meeting with lawmakers and speaking at policy forums to raise awareness of his detention. Her attendance at the State of the Union address is intended to further amplify international attention on the case.
Jimmy Lai, a self-made media tycoon, founded the Apple Daily newspaper, which became a prominent voice for democracy in Hong Kong. His imprisonment has drawn condemnation from international human rights organizations and governments, who view it as a suppression of free speech and a sign of Beijing’s increasing control over Hong Kong.
The invitation to Lai’s daughter comes as President Trump prepares to deliver his State of the Union address, which is expected to focus on issues including immigration enforcement and federal spending. Lawmakers from both parties have invited guests to the address to draw attention to a range of policy priorities and human rights concerns.
