President Donald Trump is preparing to deliver the first State of the Union address of his second administration next week before a joint session of Congress. This significant event is slated for February 24, starting at 9 p.m. ET, and is set to be accessible through various major television networks including ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox News, NPR, and PBS, as well as live-streamed on USA TODAY’s YouTube channel and website.
While Trump addressed lawmakers in March of the previous year, that speech didn’t officially qualify as a State of the Union. Typically, presidents give a joint address early in their first term, followed by formal State of the Union speeches in subsequent years. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) extended the invitation to Trump for this year’s address back in January, highlighting Trump’s leadership and emphasizing that the nation currently “stands stronger, freer, and more prosperous.” Johnson also expressed confidence that “the best is yet to come” since Trump’s return to office.
The State of the Union address serves as an opportunity for the president to communicate the current status of the nation and outline the legislative priorities for Congress moving forward. This constitutional requirement has set the tradition of delivering the address between early January and early February each year.
As anticipation builds for Trump’s address, many are eager to hear his vision for the upcoming term and the policies he plans to implement to further improve the nation. This year’s address could serve as a pivotal point in his ongoing administration as he aims to reinforce support among lawmakers and the public.