Trump to Deliver First State of the Union Since Returning to Office

The former president's speech will be broadcast live on Tuesday, February 24th.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Former President Donald Trump will deliver his first State of the Union address since regaining the presidency, set to take place on Tuesday, February 24th. The highly anticipated speech will be broadcast live from the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C.

Why it matters

Trump's return to the White House has been a divisive and controversial development, with his supporters celebrating his political comeback and critics expressing concerns about the implications for American democracy. The State of the Union address will provide a high-profile platform for Trump to outline his vision and agenda for the country.

The details

The State of the Union address is a constitutionally-mandated annual report delivered by the President of the United States to a joint session of the U.S. Congress. Trump's speech will be his first such address since regaining the presidency in the 2024 election, after a single term out of office.

  • The State of the Union address is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24th, 2026.
  • The speech is expected to begin at 9:00 PM Eastern Time.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th and 47th President of the United States, who returned to the White House in 2024 after a single term out of office.

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What they’re saying

“This will be a pivotal moment for the country, as President Trump lays out his vision for the next four years.”

— Sarah Huckabee Sanders, White House Press Secretary (Cincinnati.com)

What’s next

The State of the Union address will be followed by the traditional response from the opposition party, which has yet to be announced.

The takeaway

Trump's return to the presidency has reignited deep political divisions in the country, and his State of the Union address will be closely watched for any signs of reconciliation or continued partisan conflict.