David Ellison, Erika Kirk and Kevin O’Leary to Attend State of the Union as Media Personalities Descend on DC

Hollywood Reporter

by Alex Weprin

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address will feature a star-studded audience filled with influential media personalities, highlighting the growing intersection between politics and entertainment. Among those attending are David Ellison, CEO of Paramount, who is currently leading efforts to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery from Netflix; Erika Kirk, widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who is attending as Trump’s guest; and Kevin O’Leary, host of *Shark Tank* and a surprise appearance on *Marty Supreme*. The attendance of these high-profile figures underscores how the political landscape is increasingly shaped by new power centers, blending traditional media influence with digital-native voices. Ellison, who is attending as a guest of Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-SC), is at the center of a major deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, which could reshape the streaming wars. His presence at the SOTU may signal confidence in navigating regulatory hurdles and securing the deal. Meanwhile, Kirk’s attendance as Trump’s guest adds emotional weight, given her late husband’s conservative legacy and her own media influence. O’Leary, attending as a guest of Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), brings his entrepreneurial and entertainment background to the event, further blurring the lines between business and politics. This media-heavy guest list reflects a broader trend of entertainment moguls and digital influencers becoming key players in political discourse. Ellison’s potential success in acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery could solidify Paramount’s

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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/25/2026