Donald Trump is set to deliver his State of the Union address in Washington on Tuesday evening, marking his second major speech to Congress this term and the final one before the 2026 midterm elections. This event also represents the first occasion Trump will face the Supreme Court justices since their ruling declared his tariffs illegal, adding a layer of tension to the proceedings.
Timing and Viewing Information
The address is scheduled to commence at 9pm Eastern Time on Tuesday in Washington. For viewers in the United States, major news networks are expected to broadcast the speech live, with extensive coverage throughout the day. Additionally, CBS will provide a livestream on its YouTube page, and PBS will offer similar access. The Guardian will feature a live feed of the congressional address, accompanied by a team of reporters who will cover and fact-check Trump's remarks in real-time.
Anticipated Content of the Speech
Historically, the State of the Union serves as a platform for the president to outline their agenda and highlight key policy goals. While not officially a campaign event, Trump is likely to use this opportunity to promote his achievements. In his 2025 joint address to Congress, he extensively discussed efforts to reduce the federal workforce, alter US foreign policy, and implement a contentious trade agenda involving significant tariffs. That speech lasted an hour and 40 minutes, setting a record as the longest in US history, and he also referenced executive orders enacted early in his second term.
This year, despite facing opinion polls indicating growing disapproval on various issues, Trump is expected to reiterate his "making America great again" mantra. Key topics are likely to include tariffs, which were recently struck down by the Supreme Court but reinstated over the weekend, along with immigration and foreign policy. The address may run longer than usual, as hinted by Trump himself during a White House event on Monday, where he stated, "I'm making a speech tomorrow night, and you'll be hearing me say that. I mean, it's going to be a long speech because we have so much to talk about." The official White House schedule suggests he may not return until 11.30pm.
Democratic Response and Boycott
In a significant show of opposition, at least 12 Democrats plan to boycott the speech. Instead, they will hold an outdoor rally on the National Mall. Among them is Chris Van Hollen, who expressed on social media, "Trump is marching America towards fascism, and I refuse to normalize his shredding of our Constitution & democracy. This cannot be business as usual." Another event, titled "State of the Swamp," is scheduled for Wednesday night and will feature prominent Democrats and celebrities, including Robert De Niro and Mark Ruffalo, both known for their criticism of Trump. This gathering is organized by Indivisible and other groups.
Following the address, it is customary for a member of the opposing party to deliver a rebuttal. This year, newly elected Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has been selected to give the response. In a joint statement, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer praised Spanberger as a public servant with a track record of holding Trump accountable and winning in competitive districts. They noted, "She stands in stark contrast to Donald Trump, who will lie, deflect and blame everyone but himself for his failed presidency on Tuesday evening. As our nation marks its 250th anniversary this summer, Governor Spanberger embodies the best of America as a mother, community leader and dedicated public servant." Spanberger has indicated that her rebuttal will address concerns such as rising costs, community chaos, and daily fears among Americans.
Additionally, Alex Padilla, a Democrat from California and a vocal critic of the Trump administration's immigration policies, will deliver a rebuttal in Spanish. Padilla, who was restrained and removed after attempting to question Kristi Noem at a press conference last June, told the New York Times that his remarks will focus on immigration, the economy, and fair elections. Last year, Democrats chose Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, a centrist with an intelligence background, for the rebuttal role.
This State of the Union address underscores the deepening political divisions in the US, with Trump poised to defend his policies amid Democratic protests and planned counter-events.
