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Updated 25 February 2026 - US President Donald Trump is set to address Congress and the nation tonight in his annual State of the Union speech, with lawmakers, justices, and military leaders gathering in Washington.
Key event on US political calendar
President Donald Trump will outline his administration's achievements and policy priorities during the State of the Union address on Tuesday evening. The speech, a constitutional requirement, has evolved into a major media event, drawing top officials from across the federal government to the US Capitol.
The address is scheduled for 21:00 EST (02:00 GMT) and will be broadcast live on major US networks and the BBC's website, with pre-speech coverage beginning an hour earlier.
Political backdrop and expectations
Trump's speech comes ahead of November's midterm elections and follows a tumultuous first year of his term, marked by polarizing policies and internal party divisions. While the full agenda remains unconfirmed, immigration enforcement, trade policy, and foreign relations are expected to feature prominently.
Under Trump, illegal border crossings have declined, but his deportation tactics-including a fatal shooting of two US citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis-have sparked controversy. A recent Supreme Court ruling also curtailed his use of emergency powers to impose global tariffs, adding to the debate over executive authority.
Other likely topics include ceasefire negotiations abroad, US-Iran relations, and the recent detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by American forces.
Memorable moments and opposition response
The State of the Union has produced dramatic moments in recent years, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's 2020 tearing of Trump's speech, which she later called a "manifesto of mistruths." This year's address will be followed by a rebuttal from Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, a rising Democratic star.
Last March, Trump delivered a record-breaking 100-minute speech to Congress, surpassing Bill Clinton's previous record. Democrats, including Senator Elissa Slotkin, responded with their own address, a tradition dating back to 1966.
Notable attendees and absences
The event will draw a "who's who" of Washington power brokers, including Supreme Court justices, military leaders, and members of Trump's cabinet. First Lady Melania Trump and other family members are also expected to attend.
Trump has invited several high-profile guests, including the gold-medal-winning US men's ice hockey team and Erika Kirk, widow of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Democratic lawmakers have brought survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse, while House Speaker Mike Johnson will honor a fallen Louisiana police officer.
However, nearly 40 Democratic lawmakers, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, plan to skip the speech. Some will attend an alternative "People's State of the Union" event organized by progressive groups, criticizing Trump's policies as "a night full of lies."
One cabinet member will be absent as the "designated survivor," a precautionary role to ensure continuity of government in case of a catastrophe. The administration has not disclosed this year's designee.
Logistics and security
The speech will take place in the House of Representatives chamber, with Vice President JD Vance and Speaker Mike Johnson seated behind Trump. Security measures, including the designated survivor protocol, will be in effect.
As the address approaches, both parties are bracing for a highly charged political spectacle, with Trump likely to emphasize his administration's accomplishments while Democrats prepare to challenge his narrative.
