Katie Phang

So I decided that I would hang out with my people, with the people, with all of us, the people who have been in the streets day after day demanding better from our government.

But in my stead, I sent a survivor, Jenna Lisa Jones, who at the age of 14 endured something that no child should have to.

And she sent some words for me to share with you.

As a survivor of the abuse and exploitation connected to Jeffrey Epstein, this invitation means far more to me than simply attending a historic address.

It represents recognition that survivors' voices matter, that our experiences are not invisible.

and that our resilience deserves to be seen and acknowledged in the very spaces where our nation's future is shaped.

Moments like this remind me that we are not alone, that our stories have meaning, and that there are leaders who are willing to stand with us.

I met and hung out with Jenna Lisa today.

And as I listened to her, I was struck by the extraordinary courage that it takes as a survivor to show up and stand up and look your oppressor in the eye and say, I will not be silenced.

But sadly, this is a kind of courage that our president doesn't have.

So as Donald Trump delivers his address and sees Jenna Lisa and her fellow survivors in the audience, he will be reminded

what true leadership looks like.

And it is not measured by applause from sycophants.

It is measured by whether or not you stand by your word to fight against injustice or whether you want to shield the folks who should be held accountable.

But enough about Trump.

I'm so tired of talking about this small man who is not worth any of our time.

Because this people's State of the Union is not about him.

It's about us.

And what is worth our time, our commitment, our work.

And y'all, let me tell you, up until November and for the next couple of years, it will be a lot of work.