On Tuesday (30 January), Donald Trump delivers his first State of the Union as President of the United States.

Democratic Representative Joe Kennedy III from Massachusetts is bringing a trans soldier to the event. Army Staff Sgt. Patricia King is attending Trump’s speech.

Kennedy, the grandson of Robert Kennedy, called King the ‘best and bravest’.

Patricia King represents the best and bravest our nation offers. She will make our Commonwealth and our country proud at the State of the Union on Tuesday night. https://t.co/Y9PgbhZihx

— Rep. Joe Kennedy III (@RepJoeKennedy) January 28, 2018

‘I have served for almost 19 years,’ King told the Boston Globe. ‘And all of a sudden, it is all hanging in the balance.’

Last year, Trump issued a memo ending trans service in the military. However, various lawsuits and court orders reversed the decision, allowing people to join at the start of the year.

King was the first member whose gender confirmation surgery was paid for by the military.

All eyes and ears

The State of the Union is an annual speech delivered by the President to a joint session of Congress and the American people.

It’s a way for the Commander in Chief to outline legislative goals and give an economic report.

However, while King is Kennedy’s guest, she will be going in his place. Kennedy will not be present for the State of the Union as Democrats chose him to give the rebuttal speech.

From health care to economic justice to civil rights, the Democratic agenda stands in powerful contrast to President Trump’s broken promises to American families. Deeply honored to be chosen to deliver the response to the State of the Union next week. Stay tuned for updates!

— Rep. Joe Kennedy III (@RepJoeKennedy) January 26, 2018

Kennedy has served in Congress since 2013.

In a statement about their choice, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said: ‘While President Trump has consistently broken his promises to the middle class, Congressman Kennedy profoundly understands the challenges facing hard-working men and women across the country.’