What to know about Trump's State of the Union address

February 24, 2026

President Donald Trump will deliver his State of the Union address to Congress on Tuesday evening at 9 PM EST, an annual constitutional requirement where the president outlines accomplishments and future policy agenda. The speech, taking place in the House chamber before lawmakers, Supreme Court justices, and military leaders, is expected to cover immigration enforcement, trade policy, and international negotiations ahead of November's midterm elections. While the event traditionally draws Washington's political elite, nearly two dozen Democratic lawmakers have announced they will skip the address to attend an alternative "People's State of the Union" event instead.

Who is affected

President Donald Trump (delivering the speech)
Members of the Senate and House of Representatives (attending or boycotting)
Supreme Court justices (attending)
Military leaders (attending)
Vice-President JD Vance and Speaker Mike Johnson (seated behind Trump)
First Lady Melania Trump and Trump family members (attending)
Nearly two dozen Democratic lawmakers including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (boycotting)
Special guests: Haley Robson (Epstein survivor), Raiza Contreras (mother of detained individual), Marc Brock's family (deceased police officer)
US national women's hockey team (declined invitation)
The "designated survivor" cabinet member (undisclosed location)
American public (audience for the address)

What action is being taken

Trump is delivering the State of the Union address on Tuesday evening at 21:00 EST
The BBC is streaming the event live on their website and TV channel with coverage starting at 20:00 EST
Major US networks are broadcasting the speech
Democrats are following the address with their party's response/rebuttal
Nearly two dozen Democratic lawmakers are attending an alternative "People's State of the Union" event organized by progressive groups

Why it matters

The State of the Union is a constitutional requirement and a major media event that allows the president to communicate directly with Congress and the American people about policy priorities and accomplishments. It takes on heightened significance ahead of November's midterm elections, as it provides a platform for Trump to shape his political message and legislative agenda. The substantial Democratic boycott and counter-event demonstrate deep political divisions in the country, making this address particularly noteworthy as a barometer of partisan tensions. The speech will likely address contentious issues including immigration enforcement, trade policy following a Supreme Court rebuke, and international relations, all of which have broad implications for American domestic and foreign policy.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC