President Donald Trump is set to deliver his first State of the Union address of his second term on Tuesday night, facing low approval ratings and recent setbacks. The speech, starting at 9 p.m. ET, will highlight administration accomplishments and new policy proposals on affordability. Democrats plan responses criticizing the president's approach to issues like immigration and foreign policy.
President Donald Trump will address a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on February 24, 2026, marking the first State of the Union speech of his second term. Trump has described the address as lengthy, stating on Monday, "It's going to be a long speech because we have so much to talk about." Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president will tout the administration's record, including economic achievements, and outline an agenda to make the American dream more attainable for working-class people. New announcements include "ratepayer protection pledges," requiring tech companies building energy-intensive data centers to pay more for electricity to prevent price spikes in local communities.
The speech occurs amid significant challenges. Recent polls show widespread disapproval: an NPR/PBS News/Marist survey found 55% of Americans believe Trump is changing the nation for the worse, while a Washington Post/ABC News/IPSOS poll reported 60% negative approval overall, with 57% disapproving of his economic handling and 64% on tariffs. An NPR survey indicated 60% say the country is worse off than a year ago. Trump maintains a partisan divide, with strong Republican support but disapproval from most Democrats and independents, whose approval has dropped to 26% in a CNN poll.
Key issues include a Supreme Court 6-3 ruling on February 20 invalidating Trump's use of emergency powers for tariffs, which he called "unpatriotic and disloyal" from justices he appointed. Trump has promised new tariffs under different laws despite concerns over higher costs. Immigration enforcement draws criticism after federal agents surged into cities like Minneapolis and Chicago, where agents shot and killed two U.S. citizens weeks ago. The administration blames former President Joe Biden for the affordability crisis, even over a year into Trump's term.
Guests include the U.S. men's Olympic hockey team, recent gold medal winners, and a couple benefiting from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which allows deductions for tips and overtime income. Trump will also honor "Angel Families" affected by crimes from undocumented immigrants. Democrats are divided: some will boycott in protest, others bring survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse, noting an NPR investigation found removed documents alleging Trump's involvement. Official responses include one from Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger and another from Representative Summer Lee for the Working Families Party, who called the moment one of authoritarianism and stressed addressing cuts to NIH and USAID, and potential unauthorized war with Iran.
Ahead of November midterms, Republicans see the speech as a chance to energize the base on themes like voter ID and economic proposals, while GOP strategist Mike Ricci advised focusing on fighting for everyday Americans.
