Senator Rick Scott has announced that entrepreneur and television personality Kevin O’Leary will be his guest at President Trump’s State of the Union address scheduled for next Tuesday.
O’Leary is known for his roles on business-focused television programs such as Shark Tank, Dragons’ Den, and The Lang & O’Leary Exchange. He co-founded SoftKey Software Products, which later became The Learning Company and was sold to Mattel for $3.7 billion. In addition to his work in educational software, O’Leary leads investment firms O’Leary Ventures and O’Shares Investments and is the author of the Cold Hard Truth book series.
In April 2025, at Senator Scott’s request as chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, O’Leary testified before the committee about concerns regarding China’s impact on American investors and potential risks to retirees.
Scott commented on his decision: “I am pleased to welcome my friend, Kevin O’Leary, as my guest to the State of the Union. Kevin is a fellow Floridian, a successful entrepreneur, and has long been a voice for economic growth in America. Kevin understands what the American Dream means and like me, has lived his dream building businesses and creating jobs. As I fight every day to protect and preserve the American Dream for every family in Florida and across our great nation, I am proud to know that friends like Kevin are working hard in the private sector to create jobs, expand opportunities, and support the hardworking entrepreneurs that power America forward toward a stronger future.”
O’Leary stated: “Senator Rick Scott and I share a strong commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses – the true backbone of the American economy. We believe the American Dream is our nation’s greatest export, and it begins with the strength and opportunity reflected in the State of the Union. I am honored to attend the address as the senator’s guest and look forward to the important conversations ahead.”
Scott represents Florida in Congress and operates district offices throughout several cities including Naples, Tampa, Orlando, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and Pensacola. He assumed office as U.S. Senator from Florida after being sworn in during January 2019 and serves as chairman of multiple committees, including Budget; Armed Services; Homeland Security; Governmental Affairs; Foreign Relations; as well as chairing the Senate Special Committee on Aging.
Before entering politics Scott served in the U.S. Navy before co-founding a healthcare company.
He regularly shares legislative proposals through his official website to keep constituents informed about national issues.
