Bold opening: Trump’s State of the Union address is set to take place in Washington on Tuesday at 9:00 p.m. ET, marking his second major speech to Congress this term and the last before the 2026 midterm elections. This will also be the first time he faces the Supreme Court justices since they ruled his tariffs unlawful.
Overview: Traditionally, the State of the Union offers the president a platform to outline policy priorities and highlight key achievements. While it isn’t an official campaign event, expect Trump to frame the speech as a recap of his administration’s progress and a case for his ongoing agenda.
What to know and how to watch Trump’s State of the Union:
- Time: The address begins at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday in Washington.
- TV viewing options in the United States: Major networks will provide live coverage. CBS will stream the speech on its YouTube channel, and PBS will also offer a live YouTube stream.
- Live coverage: The Guardian will host a live feed of the address with a dedicated team providing coverage and fact-checking throughout the speech.
What topics are likely to surface:
In 2025, during his joint address to Congress, Trump emphasized cutting the federal workforce, reshaping U.S. foreign policy, and pushing a bold tariff-based trade agenda. That speech, which lasted about an hour and forty minutes—the longest in U.S. history—also highlighted executive actions taken at the start of his second term. This year, despite polls showing waning public support on various issues, the president is expected to reiterate a message of making America great again. Anticipate discussions on tariffs, immigration, and foreign policy, with tariffs reemerging after the Supreme Court’s ruling against them early last week and subsequent administrative actions over the weekend.
The timing for a potentially lengthy speech is noted on the White House schedule, which shows no planned return to the White House until about 11:30 p.m. local time. Trump himself teased the length, saying there would be a lot to cover.
What Democrats are planning:
A group of at least 12 Democratic lawmakers plans to boycott the speech and instead hold an outdoor rally on the National Mall. Among them is Chris Van Hollen, who stated on social media that Trump’s direction poses a danger to constitutional norms and democracy. Separately, an event titled State of the Swamp is planned for Tuesday night, featuring prominent Democrats and celebrities such as Robert De Niro and Mark Ruffalo, organized by Indivisible and allied groups.
Rebuttal and response: As is traditional, a member of the opposition party is expected to deliver a response after the address. This year, Abigail Spanberger, the newly elected governor of Virginia, will deliver the rebuttal. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer praised Spanberger, highlighting her accountability-focused record and contrast with Trump.
Spanberger’s remarks are anticipated to address voters’ concerns about rising costs, local safety, and daily uncertainty. On the Republican side, California Senator Alex Padilla will provide a Spanish-language rebuttal, focusing on immigration, the economy, and the integrity of elections. Padilla has previously been involved in high-profile protests and confrontations at press events.
For context, last year’s rebuttal was given by Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, a centrist with a background in intelligence.
Would you like a quick summary of the key takeaways from the speech after it airs, or a brief comparison of the expected policy themes with the previous address? If you have a preferred focus—economic policy, national security, or immigration—tell me and I’ll tailor a concise briefing.
