February 24, 2026

President Donald Trump is poised to deliver his State of the Union address on Capitol Hill this Tuesday, amidst a backdrop of significant domestic and international challenges. His administration has been under scrutiny following a Supreme Court ruling that deemed his wide-reaching tariffs illegal and a contentious military buildup in the Middle East. These issues come to the fore as Trump aims to consolidate support ahead of the midterms and the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.
The address is scheduled for 9 p.m. Eastern and will be broadcast across major networks, with streaming available on platforms like POLITICO's website. Viewers can expect a comprehensive speech, as Trump himself noted, "We have so much to talk about," with a focus likely on economic themes and the promise of tackling affordability issues.
Amid declining approval ratings over his immigration and economic policies, Trump's speech is anticipated to highlight his administration's successes while addressing the nation's pressing challenges. Key economic issues, American energy dominance, and last year’s tax cuts are expected to feature prominently in his address.
A diverse group of attendees will be present, including key figures like Vice President JD Vance and Turning Point CEO Erika Kirk. However, the Supreme Court justices may be notably absent after Trump expressed indifference following their recent ruling against his policies. In contrast, some Democrats have chosen to boycott the speech, opting instead for a “People’s State of the Union” event.
The Democratic response will be delivered by Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, focusing on affordability and community challenges, with Senator Alex Padilla providing a Spanish-language rebuttal, highlighting the Democrats' focus on inclusivity and addressing the concerns of diverse communities.
As the nation tunes in, the address will not only reflect the current state of U.S. politics but also set the stage for the forthcoming electoral battles and policy directions.