Jimmy Lai’s daughter to attend State of the Union as guest of Speaker Mike Johnson
Claire Lai, the daughter of jailed Hong Kong media entrepreneur and pro-democracy advocate jimmy lai, is expected to attend President Donald Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address as a guest of House Speaker Mike Johnson. Her presence ahead of the Tuesday night address in Washington focuses attention on jimmy lai’s detention and the diplomatic pressure his supporters are pressing for his release.
Why Jimmy Lai's case is in the spotlight
Claire Lai has become a public advocate for her father’s release since his arrest under Hong Kong’s national security law. The 2026 State of the Union, scheduled for Tuesday night in Washington, traditionally features guests selected by lawmakers to highlight policy priorities; Speaker Mike Johnson invited Claire Lai to underscore concerns about Jimmy Lai’s imprisonment and prompt diplomatic attention.
Claire Lai’s advocacy and what she has done
Claire Lai has met lawmakers, spoken at policy forums and appeared at media events to call for diplomatic efforts toward her father’s release. She has worked with human rights organizations and political leaders to keep the case in public discussion since Jimmy Lai’s arrest under the national security law, and she has described his imprisonment as "heartbreakingly cruel, " citing his age, health concerns and the strain on their family.
Charges, disputes and the immediate political signal
Hong Kong authorities accuse Jimmy Lai of colluding with foreign forces and supporting protests; his supporters dispute those charges and say the prosecution is connected to restrictions on dissent and media activity following the imposition of the national security law. Speaker Mike Johnson said that inviting Claire Lai signals the United States is seeking Jimmy Lai’s release, a direct political message tied to the Tuesday night address and the lawmakers who chose her as a guest.
The 2026 State of the Union comes amid broader political debate in Washington over topics such as immigration enforcement and federal spending. Lawmakers from both parties selected guests linked to issues including immigration enforcement, fraud oversight, survivor justice and human rights; Claire Lai’s attendance will place her father’s detention squarely within that mix of topics on national view.
Claire Lai’s appearance is scheduled for the State of the Union on Tuesday night in Washington, and Speaker Mike Johnson has framed the invitation as part of U. S. efforts to press for Jimmy Lai’s release. The address itself is the next confirmed event tied to this development, where members of Congress will again use guest selections to highlight policy and human rights concerns.
