Donald Trump will address Congress. But while President Donald Trump’s address to Congress may sound like a State of the Union in both format and tone, it’s not technically one.
The main reason is that, by tradition, the first speeches a newly elected president gives to a joint session of Congress are not considered part of this category. Instead, they are usually called “Message to Congress” or “Address to a Joint Session,” and serve a slightly different purpose than the traditional annual address.
What is the State of the Union and why is it important?
The State of the Union is a constitutional mandate that requires the president to report to Congress on the state of the country and recommend measures for the future. However, in the first year of a new administration, this formal report does not take place, as the president is just beginning his term and has not yet had time to fully execute his agenda or assess the state of the country since his administration.
Instead, the initial address to Congress focuses on establishing priorities, outlining objectives, and setting the tone for his administration. Since Ronald Reagan’s presidency in 1981, every president has followed this practice, reserving his first State of the Union for the second year in office. Although the difference between the two speeches is subtle, the media and political impact remains similar, as both events serve as a platform to communicate the presidential vision and generate influence on public opinion and Congress.
Trump’s speech start time
According to protocol, President Donald Trump’s address will begin at 9 p.m. (Eastern Time) and will take place in the House of Representatives chamber at the Capitol.
Where to watch Trump’s speech before Congress?
Trump’s speech will be broadcast by most television networks on the open system. Additionally, several streaming platforms will provide coverage, including the following:
- YouTube
- PBS
- Fox News
- ABC News
- CNN
- NewsNation
ALSO READ Are Trump’s tariffs legal? Keys to understanding executive orders
What will Trump’s speech before Congress be about?
Trump’s speech comes amid a series of economic conflicts and tensions between the United States and its major trading partners, as well as massive changes in the federal government and the implementation of numerous executive orders on various issues.
On Monday, the Republican president assured via the Truth Social network that his speech before Congress “will be big” and promised to “tell it like it is.”
According to White House officials, President Donald Trump will discuss everything he has done since the start of his second term, which began on January 20. Among the main topics are the economy, border security, and his peace initiatives.
President Donald Trump intends to address the issue of tariffs in his speech before Congress. Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Mexico and Canada, arguing that the two major U.S. trade partners had no room to negotiate to avoid these levies. Additionally, he decided to double the tariff on products from China to 20%.
It is also expected that he will address the pause in military aid to Ukraine, which he ordered following the meeting he held on Friday in the Oval Office with President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Who will attend Donald Trump’s speech before the U.S. Congress?
The event will be attended by members of the Supreme Court, presidential cabinet members, and legislators from both chambers. A designated survivor will also be present, a cabinet official who remains in a secure location in the event of a catastrophic emergency.
Additionally, the First Lady will host several guests selected by the White House on the building’s balcony, some of whom may be linked to the main topics of the speech.
Democrats plan to protest during Trump’s speech
Democratic legislators are considering various ways to protest against President Trump’s speech before Congress on Tuesday, including a potential full interruption. Some members have mentioned to their colleagues that they may leave the chamber when Trump makes certain statements they find objectionable.
One of the lines that could provoke this reaction are comments about transgender children. It has also been suggested to bring various accessories, such as:
- Rattles
- Signs with anti-Trump or anti-DOGE messages
- Eggs or empty egg cartons to highlight the rising prices due to inflation
- Pocket Constitutions to argue that Trump has violated the Constitution by shutting down agencies authorized by Congress
- Red cards
