President Donald Trump will deliver the first State of the Union address of his second term tonight, outlining his administration’s priorities at a pivotal moment in Washington.
The speech comes as lawmakers debate funding for the Department of Homeland Security amid the administration’s stepped-up immigration enforcement efforts, and as broader discussions continue over the economy, foreign policy and the direction of the country heading into the midterm elections.
Here’s what you need to know.
When Is the Speech?
President Trump will address a joint session of Congress tonight at 9 p.m. ET from the U.S. Capitol.
The State of the Union is a constitutional duty requiring the president to report to Congress on the condition of the nation and recommend priorities for the year ahead. House Speaker Mike Johnson formally invited the president to deliver the address.
Earlier this week, President Trump previewed the speech, saying it would be “a long speech because we have so much to talk about.”
What to Expect
While the White House has not released specific details, the president is expected to highlight:
- The administration’s immigration enforcement agenda
- The state of the U.S. economy and affordability concerns
- America’s position on the world stage
- Ongoing tensions with Iran
- Policy priorities heading into the midterm elections
The White House has emphasized what it describes as renewed American strength internationally. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Americans will hear more about the president’s plans during what she called a “very good and powerful speech.”
As is tradition, the address will bring together leaders from all three branches of government. The vice president and the speaker of the House will sit behind the president during the speech.
Members of Congress and the White House have also invited special guests to attend. Among those invited are members of the USA Men’s Hockey team, who visited the White House on Tuesday afternoon.
Erika Kirk, widow of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, will be President Donald Trump’s guest at Tuesday night’s State of the Union.
Democratic Response
Following the president’s address, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger will deliver the Democratic response.
How to Watch
Viewers hoping to watch the speech live will have no shortage of options:
- All major broadcast and cable news networks will carry the address live.
- Fox News will provide full coverage before, during and after the speech.
- The address will also be streamed live on the White House website and its official YouTube channel.
Watch below:
Coverage begins shortly before 9 p.m. ET on most networks.
For supporters and observers alike, the State of the Union offers a direct look at President Trump’s vision for the year ahead — and a defining moment of his second term.
