If you’ve been trying to pin down the exact trump's address to congress time, you aren't alone. Washington has been a bit of a whirlwind lately with schedule shifts and "save the date" teases. But we finally have the hard facts. House Speaker Mike Johnson officially invited President Donald Trump to deliver the 2026 State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
The speech is set for 9:00 PM ET.
Honestly, it’s a big deal this year. This isn't just a standard policy update; it’s the first official State of the Union of Trump's second term. While he spoke to a joint session in March 2025, that was technically an "address to a joint session" to lay out his new administration's goals. This February 2026 speech is the real deal—the constitutional tradition where the president reports on the country’s health. It also happens to fall during the "Semiquincentennial" year, celebrating 250 years of American independence.
Breaking Down the Trump's Address to Congress Time and Schedule
If you are planning your evening around the broadcast, you should know that 9:00 PM ET is the "gavel in" time. This is when the Sergeant at Arms traditionally shouts, "Mr. Speaker, the President of the United States!"
Historically, Trump doesn't do "short" speeches. His 2025 joint session address clocked in at roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes once you factor in the applause breaks and the inevitable "theatrics" of the chamber. If you’re on the West Coast, you’ll want to be tuned in by 6:00 PM PT.
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Where to Watch the Live Stream
Basically, every major news outlet is going to carry this. You won't have to look hard.
- Major Networks: ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX will all have primetime coverage starting usually an hour before the actual trump's address to congress time.
- Cable News: CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News will likely start their "pre-game" coverage as early as 6:00 PM ET.
- Online/Streaming: The White House YouTube channel always hosts a clean, high-definition stream. C-SPAN is also a solid bet if you want to see the room without the talking-head commentary.
What's Actually on the Agenda for 2026?
A lot has changed since the 2025 inauguration. We’re deep into the second year now, and the administration is pivoting toward the midterms. Trump has already been teasing the themes of this speech during recent stops, like his visit to the Detroit Economic Club and the Ford F-150 factory.
Expect a lot of talk about "reconciliation 2.0." The White House wants to push through more tax cuts and significant spending reductions. There’s also the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" that needs some technical fixes, according to recent GOP retreats.
The Economy and "Tariff Power"
You’ve probably heard him mention the 25% tariff on foreign automobiles lately. He’s been touting this as a massive win for Michigan autoworkers. In the February 24 address, he’s expected to double down on the idea that these tariffs are bringing in trillions in investment.
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He’s also been taking swings at the Federal Reserve and Chair Jerome Powell. With the Justice Department reportedly looking into Fed operations, the tension is high. Don't be surprised if the trump's address to congress time involves some direct rhetoric about lowering interest rates and capping credit card fees at 10%—a policy he’s been floating since mid-January.
Why the Timing Matters This Year
The 2026 midterm elections are looming. Every word of this speech is being written with November 3, 2026, in mind. Republicans currently control both the House and the Senate, and they are desperate to hold onto that "trifecta."
Speaker Mike Johnson's invitation wasn't just a formality; it was a political statement. He specifically mentioned "preserving this grand experiment in self-governance" as we hit the 250-year mark of the country.
Potential Flashpoints and Protests
It’s no secret that these addresses have become increasingly partisan. Remember the 2025 address? It was filled with "partisan acrimony," and 2026 is shaping up to be even more intense. Leaders like California Governor Gavin Newsom have already been vocal in their opposition, criticizing the administration’s plans for food assistance and military use in cities.
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Expect a split screen: the President speaking inside the Capitol, and likely significant protests or "counter-programming" happening simultaneously outside.
How to Prepare for the Broadcast
To get the most out of the night, here is a quick way to manage your viewing:
- Check your local listings: While 9:00 PM ET is the start, some local stations might delay coverage for local news.
- Follow the transcript: Major outlets usually post a "live transcript" that updates as he speaks. This is great for catching specific policy details that might get lost in the noise.
- Watch the Rebuttal: The Democratic response usually happens immediately after the President finishes. It’s often short (10-15 minutes) but gives you the other side of the legislative coin.
Final Logistics Checklist
The White House usually releases "excerpts" of the speech around 6:00 PM ET on the day of the event. This gives you a "cheat sheet" of the major headlines before the teleprompter even starts rolling. If you’re trying to stay ahead of the curve for work or social media, keep an eye on the official White House press feed in the late afternoon.
This address is a pivot point. It’s where the "honeymoon" phase of the second term officially ends and the grind of the 2026 midterm campaign begins. Mark your calendar for February 24.
To stay updated on any last-minute schedule changes or specific streaming links, you should bookmark the official House Clerk website or the White House "Briefing Room" page. These are the two primary sources for official timing updates as the date approaches. You might also want to set a reminder on your phone for 8:45 PM ET to catch the entrance and the atmosphere of the House chamber before the formal remarks begin.