WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tuesday, February 24, 2026 — President Donald J. Trump is scheduled to deliver his first State of the Union address of his second term tonight at 9:00 p.m. ET before a joint session of Congress in the U.S. Capitol. It’s one of the most closely watched political events of the year amid intense national debates and a deeply divided political landscape.
🎯 Why This Moment Matters
The speech comes at a pivotal time for the nation:
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Policy battles at center stage
Trump is expected to address major issues shaping his administration, including economic strategy, immigration enforcement, and national security. This follows a Supreme Court ruling striking down broad tariffs, a key part of his trade agenda — forcing the White House to pivot on how it imposes new duties. -
Government tensions
The federal government recently experienced a partial shutdown affecting funding for key agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security — a sore point in ongoing immigration and border policy disputes that may feature in tonight’s address. -
Foreign policy spotlight
Trump is also expected to touch on international affairs, including ongoing tensions in the Middle East and Latin America, though details are still emerging as the speech unfolds.
🆚 A Divided Political Environment
Tonight’s address isn’t just about policy — it’s also political:
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Democratic boycott & counter-events:
A group of Democratic lawmakers plans to boycott the speech and instead hold alternative events in protest, highlighting deep partisan divisions. -
Official Democratic response:
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) will deliver the party’s official rebuttal after Trump’s speech, focusing on economic concerns and public anxiety heading into the crucial 2026 midterms.
📺 How to Watch
Time: 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT tonight.
Where: All major networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, FOX, PBS) plus livestreams on YouTube via several news outlets and likely the White House channels.
