President Donald J. Trump is set to deliver his 2026 State of the Union address on February 24, 2026, at 21:00 ET. This pivotal speech comes as Trump faces increasing calls for impeachment and reports of historically low approval ratings in the lead-up to the midterm elections. This address marks his first formal State of the Union of his second term, differing from his joint address to Congress delivered the previous year.
The State of the Union provides an opportunity for the president to outline his administration’s budget, legislative proposals, and key achievements. Trump’s supporters will be keen to see how he addresses pressing issues as he prepares for the upcoming electoral challenges.
In contrast to the formal address, the progressive groups MoveOn and MeidasTouch have organized a “People’s State of the Union” rally. This event will take place at 20:30 ET near the U.S. Capitol, serving as a counterpoint to Trump’s speech. The rally reflects the ongoing divisions within the political landscape and aims to engage citizens who may feel disillusioned by the current administration.
The State of the Union address is expected to last approximately two hours, concluding around 23:00 ET. It will be broadcast across all major television networks, including ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox News. In addition, NPR and PBS will provide coverage, while USA TODAY plans to live stream the address on its YouTube channel and website, ensuring access to a wide audience.
As the nation prepares for this significant event, all eyes will be on Trump and his ability to galvanize support amidst the current political climate. The speech not only serves as a reflection of his administration’s policies but also as a critical moment for voters as they approach the midterm elections.
