State of the Union 2026: Date, Time, and How to Watch Trump's Address to Congress
President Donald Trump will deliver his first formal State of the Union address of his second term on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, before a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol . The address, themed "America at 250: Strong, Prosperous and Respected," comes as the nation approaches its 250th birthday and with midterm elections looming later this year .
When Is the State of the Union 2026? Date and Start Time
Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
President Trump is scheduled to address Congress and the American people on the evening of February 24, 2026 . House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) extended the formal invitation to Trump in January, praising the president's leadership in a letter later shared on social media .
Start Time: 9:00 PM Eastern Time
The address is scheduled to begin at 9:00 p.m. ET, with coverage on most networks running until approximately 11:00 p.m. ET .
State of the Union 2026 Time by Time Zone
For viewers across the United States, here is when the address will air in your local time zone:
| Time Zone | Start Time |
|---|---|
| Eastern Time (ET) | 9:00 PM |
| Central Time (CT) | 8:00 PM |
| Mountain Time (MT) | 7:00 PM |
| Pacific Time (PT) | 6:00 PM |
| Alaska Time (AKT) | 5:00 PM |
| Hawaii Time (HST) | 4:00 PM |
How to Watch the State of the Union 2026
The State of the Union address will be available across virtually every major television network and streaming platform. Here's a comprehensive guide to watching:
Broadcast Television Networks
The address will air live on all major broadcast networks:
Cable News Networks
Multiple cable news channels will provide extensive coverage:
Streaming Options
For cord-cutters and online viewers, numerous streaming options are available:
| Platform | Coverage Details |
|---|---|
| White House YouTube | Official livestream of the address |
| USA TODAY | Livestream on YouTube Channel and website |
| ABC News Live | Streaming on ABC News YouTube, Disney+, and Hulu |
| CNN.com | Streaming on CNN's All Access service, website, and apps |
| C-SPAN.org | Live stream with optional "Watch With" commentary on YouTube |
| PBS NewsHour | Streaming on YouTube, X, Facebook, and TikTok |
| NBC News Now | Streaming coverage beginning at 4 p.m. ET |
| MSNBC YouTube | SOTU Watch Party on YouTube and TikTok |
Radio Coverage
Listeners can tune in via:
What to Expect: Democratic Response
Following President Trump's address, the Democratic Party will deliver its official response:
English-language response: Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger will deliver the Democratic response
Spanish-language response: Senator Alex Padilla (D-California) will deliver the Spanish-language response, making him the first Latino senator from California to do so
Both responses are expected to air live on major networks immediately following Trump's address .
The Boycott: "The People's State of the Union"
A group of 12 prominent Democratic lawmakers—five senators and seven House members—have announced they will boycott Trump's address. Instead, they will hold a counter-rally on the National Mall called "The People's State of the Union" during the president's speech .
The event, hosted by liberal activist groups, is scheduled to begin around 8 p.m. ET .
What Is the State of the Union?
The State of the Union is an annual address required by the U.S. Constitution, which directs the president to "from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient" .
Key facts about the address:
George Washington delivered the first State of the Union in 1790 at Federal Hall in New York City
The address was primarily a written report until the 1930s, when Franklin D. Roosevelt began the modern practice of delivering it in person
Presidents use the speech to outline the country's status, highlight accomplishments, and set their legislative agenda for the year ahead
Why This Address Matters
Historical Context
This address is significant for several reasons:
It is Trump's first formal State of the Union of his second term
His March 2025 address to Congress was technically a joint address, not a formal State of the Union
The address comes as the U.S. celebrates its 250th anniversary
Political Context
With midterm elections looming in November 2026, analysts view this address as an early test of the messages both parties will carry into the campaign season .
Expected Topics
Based on previews and White House indications, President Trump is expected to address:
Tariffs and trade policy (following a recent Supreme Court ruling against his tariff plan)
State of the Union Fast Facts
Summary
President Donald Trump will deliver the 2026 State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 24, at 9:00 p.m. ET. The address will be available across all major broadcast and cable networks, with extensive streaming options for online viewers. Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger will deliver the Democratic response, while a group of Democratic lawmakers will host a counter-rally on the National Mall.
With the nation approaching its 250th anniversary and midterm elections on the horizon, this address represents a key moment for the president to outline his vision for the year ahead and for both parties to begin framing the debates that will shape the 2026 political landscape.
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