The 2026 State of the Union Address is one of the most watched political events of the year. This year, President Donald Trump will give his first official State of the Union speech of his second term to Congress on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. The address will start at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time and will be broadcast live on major networks across the United States.
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When Is Trump Speaking Tonight?
Exact Start Time:
The State of the Union 2026 time Trump will start at 9:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. PT) on Feb. 24, 2026. Coverage often begins earlier with pre-show analysis.
Duration:
The speech is scheduled for about an hour, but past addresses by Trump have gone beyond 90 minutes, so this one may be longer than usual.
How & Where to Watch the 2026 Address
You can stream or watch the speech live on these major platforms:
- ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS
- Live streams on CNN and various news outlets’ YouTube channels
- White House live stream on social media
Networks typically start special coverage 1 to 3 hours before the official start time with expert commentary.
Tip: If you want to see live reactions and expert analysis after the speech, many broadcasters offer post-speech discussions.
Topics Expected in Trump’s 2026 Address
President Trump is expected to focus on:
- Economic highlights, including jobs, inflation, and business growth
- Border and immigration policy
- Foreign policy goals
- Perspectives on the midterm elections
These topics are key as Trump looks to outline his priorities ahead of the 2026 U.S. midterm elections.
Democratic Response
After the speech, the Democratic Party will respond. This response is typically given shortly after the president’s remarks, where the opposing party shares its own goals and critiques.
What Is the State of the Union?
The State of the Union is a constitutional requirement where the president reports to Congress on the nation’s condition and legislative goals. According to the U.S. Constitution, the speech must be given occasionally to help federal lawmakers plan for the coming year.
It’s one of the most important yearly events for leadership and policy direction.
External Resources & Related Reads
For more details about this year’s address and related political context, check these reliable sources:
- CBS News – How to Watch Trump State of the Union 2026
- PBS – Midterm voter messaging in the SOTU
- Reuters – Trump to highlight economy
- Guardian – Key issues ahead of SOTU 2026
Frequently Asked Questions, State of the Union 2026
Trump is set to give the 2026 State of the Union address at 9:00 PM Eastern Time on February 24, 2026. TV coverage usually begins earlier with pre-show analysis.
You can watch the speech live on major U.S. TV networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX,Frequently Asked Questions, State of the Union 2026
The State of the Union is a yearly speech where the U.S. president updates the nation on the country’s situation and outlines plans for the year ahead. Delivered to members of the United States Congress.
There’s no set time limit. Most State of the Union speeches and PBS. Many news websites and official government channels also stream it online.
Trump is focus on:
The U.S. economy
Border and immigration policy
Foreign affairs
Priorities ahead of the 2026 midterm elections
Yes. The opposition party gives an official response shortly after the last 60 to 90 minutes, but Trump’s past speeches have often gone longer.
