All eyes on Trump: What to know before the President's State of the Union speech

In a few hours, President Donald Trump is set to return to the House Chamber to deliver the annual State of the Union address. Trump's speech comes at a time when his tariff policies face legal setbacks, his administration's foreign policy faces significant scrutiny, and the federal government's actions towards fighting illegal immigration have invited heavy criticism. With mid-term elections nearing, the President is expected to address all of these issues, hoping to woo public sentiment in his favour. 

The centerpiece of the President's address is expected to be a robust defense of his economic agenda. "He will obviously tout the administration’s accomplishments over the past year. And he will, of course, lay out a very ambitious agenda, I think, for the working people of this country. To make America more affordable, and prosperous, and safe, and make the American dream more attainable," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, adding that it's going to be a "great speech." 

What to expect from Trump's speech?   

Just days ago, the Supreme Court struck a significant blow to the administration by curbing the President's unilateral authority to impose sweeping tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Trump, however, countered it by immediately signing an executive order to impose a new 10% global tariff (later increased to 15%) under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. The President is expected to defend his policy by highlighting stock market gains under his Presidency. The White House is prepared to tout a booming domestic manufacturing sector and a stock market that recently saw the Dow Jones Industrial Average cross the 50,000 mark.

In terms of escalating tensions with Iran, President Trump has repeatedly said that the U.S. has not ruled out the possibility of a military strike if Iran fails to agree to a deal to eliminate its nuclear enrichment programme. Considerable U.S military buildup in the Gulf, and the U.S.'s decision has only amplified such speculations. Press Secretary Leavitt, however, assured that the Trump administration is looking at "diplomacy" as a primary option, while warning that military action remains on the cards.

"With respect to Iran, President Trump's first option is always diplomacy. But as he has shown, he is willing to use the lethal force of the United States military if necessary," Leavitt told reporters, adding, "The President is always the final decision maker around here." Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also expected to brief top lawmakers on Iran as the administration weighs possible strikes, as per a Politico report. In terms of immigration, President Trump is expected to champion his administration's aggressive enforcement tactics and border security measures. Trump is anticipated to reinforce his commitment to mass deportations and "law and order," likely featuring guests in the gallery who symbolize the impact of his border policies. 

At least 30 Democrats to boycott Trump's address

While Speaker Mike Johnson and Vice President J.D. Vance will preside behind the President, dozens of Democratic lawmakers have announced a boycott of the speech. Instead, they will participate in a rally, being dubbed the "People's State of the Union". Claiming that Trump's speech will be "full of lies", the lawmakers, including senators Ed Markey (Massachusetts), Jeff Merkley (Oregon), Chris Murphy (Connecticut), Patty Murray (Washington state), and House members Pramila Jayapal (Washington) and Yassamin Ansari (Arizona), among others, announced they will not attend the address. 

Ansari said she will bring a guest to the rally. "Last year, I walked out of President Trump's State of the Union because I refused to normalize the most corrupt and authoritarian administration in American history," she said adding, "This year, I am honored to be joined by Sonia, who has spent more than a year fighting for her loved one, Yari, who was stripped of her residency and imprisoned at the Eloy Detention Center, and is suffering from leukemia." 

How and when to watch Trump's State of the Union address

President Trump's State of the Union address is scheduled to begin tonight, February 24, at 9:00 pm EST. The event will be broadcast live across all major television networks, including ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, and CNN, and will be available for streaming via the White House YouTube channel and various digital news platforms. Given the President's history of deviating from prepared remarks—his 2025 joint session speech ran for a record 100 minutes—viewers can expect a long night of high-stakes political theater as the President lauds the accomplishments of his administration, while defending recent criticism.