State of the Union 2026: US President Donald Trump delivers his 2026 State of the Union tonight at 9 p.m. ET from the US Capitol, outlining his second term agenda, defending his record and setting priorities as some Democrats plan a boycott and an official rebuttal follows.
President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol (Photo: File)
State of the Union 2026: US President Donald Trump goes back to the Capitol this evening at 9 p.m. Eastern Time to give an address on his 2026 State of the Union, his first real speech to Congress of this term. The House and Senate have almost 535 members with some lawmakers boycotting the invitation. The speech will be aired in prominent networks and live streamed on the internet with the economy, border security and healthcare would be on the top of the agenda and millions of Americans are likely to watch.
US President will address on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 9.00, Eastern Time and the speech is likely to last approximately two hours, as his previous speeches take.
The address will be delivered in the House room at the U.S capitol in Washington, D.C. It is presented in the presence of a combined house of Congress, where the members of the House and Senate sit together.
The speech will be delivered live on the air on major broadcast and cable channels, among which there are ABC News, NBC News, CBS News, Fox News, PBS and NPR. It will also broadcast on the official YouTube channel of the White House and the large news websites and apps. It is usually covered minutes before 9 p.m. ET, and analyze afterwards the speech ends.
The speech is based on Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution that obliges the president to report to the Congress on the state of the country and propose measures.
Its first one was delivered in 1790 by George Washington. Gradually, it developed into a prime time political affair. It has been an annual event, after Woodrow Wilson rediscovered the face-to-face speech in 1913.
According to historical records, Trump’s past addresses to Congress have varied in length:
His 2025 address was the longest presidential speech to a joint session since at least 1964.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger will deliver the Democratic rebuttal. A former three term member of Congress, she won the governorship by a double digit margin and has centered her platform on cost of living concerns.
1. Why is the State of the Union delivered at night?
Prime time scheduling allows the largest possible national television audience to watch live.
2. Who writes the president’s speech?
The address is crafted by White House speechwriters in coordination with policy advisers and senior officials.
3. How many people attend inside the chamber?
All 535 members of Congress are invited, along with Supreme Court justices, military leaders and selected guests.
4. What role does the Speaker of the House play?
The Speaker formally invites the president and presides over the joint session.
5. Why do some lawmakers boycott the event?
Members sometimes skip the address as a form of political protest or policy disagreement.
6. What is the “designated survivor”?
One cabinet member stays at a secure location to ensure continuity of government in case of an emergency.
7. Has the format of the speech changed over time?
Yes. Early presidents submitted written reports, while modern presidents deliver televised addresses.
8. Does the speech affect financial markets?
Markets can react to major policy signals, especially on taxes, trade or spending priorities.
9. Are interruptions allowed during the speech?
Lawmakers may applaud or remain seated, but formal disruptions are rare and controversial.
10. What happens to the president’s proposals afterward?
Congress debates and decides whether to advance, amend or reject the policies outlined in the speech.
11.Why is this considered his first official address of the term?
His 2025 remarks came just weeks after inauguration and were delivered to a joint session, but they were not formally designated as a State of the Union.
12.How long is the speech expected to run?
Most of his past addresses have lasted between 90 minutes and two hours, and this one is likely to fall within that range.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and scheduled details that are subject to change by official sources.
