You're probably sitting there wondering why the schedule for a major government event feels like a closely guarded secret until the last possible second. Honestly, it’s a bit of a dance. If you’re looking for the short answer to what time is the state of the union address, set your alarm for 9:00 PM ET on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
That’s the "official" start. But if you’ve watched these before, you know the President doesn’t actually start speaking the second the clock strikes nine. There’s the long walk down the aisle. The endless handshaking. The Sergeant at Arms shouting. Basically, expect the actual talking to start around 9:10 or 9:15 PM ET.
The 2026 State of the Union Schedule Breakdown
Speaker Mike Johnson formally invited President Donald Trump to deliver this address on February 24. This is a big one. It’s the first formal State of the Union of his second term—last year’s March speech was technically just an "address to a joint session of Congress."
Because it’s 2026, the backdrop is the Semiquincentennial. That’s a fancy way of saying the U.S. is turning 250 years old. You can bet that’s going to be a huge theme in the speech.
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While 9:00 PM ET is the standard, the timing varies slightly depending on where you are. Check your local time zone so you don't miss the entrance:
- Eastern Time: 9:00 PM
- Central Time: 8:00 PM
- Mountain Time: 7:00 PM
- Pacific Time: 6:00 PM
The whole thing usually runs about an hour to 75 minutes. President Biden’s 2024 speech clocked in at 1 hour and 13 minutes. Trump’s past addresses have often run a bit longer, sometimes pushing toward the 90-minute mark if the applause breaks get out of hand.
Why Does the State of the Union Start So Late?
It’s all about the ratings. The 9:00 PM ET slot is the "sweet spot" for network television. It’s late enough that people on the East Coast are home from work, but early enough that West Coast viewers can catch it right as they’re finishing dinner.
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Back in the day, these were often delivered as written memos or afternoon speeches. Lyndon B. Johnson was the one who moved it to prime time in 1965. He wanted the biggest audience possible, and ever since, it’s been a televised spectacle.
What Happens If You Tune In Early?
If you flip on the news at 8:30 PM, you’ll see the "pre-game." It’s a lot of pundits talking about what might be said and cameras panning over the House Chamber. You'll see the Supreme Court Justices, the Cabinet, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff all filing in. It’s basically the political version of the Oscars red carpet, just with more suits and fewer gowns.
Where to Watch the 2026 Address
You really can't miss it. Every major network—ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX—will preempt their regular shows. If you’re a cord-cutter, the White House usually streams it live on YouTube, and news apps like CNN, Fox News, and PBS NewsHour will have it for free.
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Don’t forget the "Opposition Response." Usually, about 10 to 15 minutes after the President stops speaking, a representative from the Democratic party will give a shorter, 10-minute rebuttal. It’s often filmed in a weirdly quiet room or a kitchen, which makes for some pretty great internet memes the next morning.
Tips for Watching Without Falling Asleep
Let's be real: these speeches can get a little dry. If you want to actually stay engaged, keep an eye on the "Designated Survivor." One member of the Cabinet is always taken to an undisclosed location just in case something catastrophic happens to the Capitol. It’s a wild bit of trivia that makes the whole event feel a little more like a Tom Clancy novel.
Also, watch the person sitting behind the President on the right. That’s the Speaker of the House. Their facial expressions—whether they’re clapping wildly or sitting in stony silence—usually tell you everything you need to know about the current political temperature.
Next Steps for You:
- Mark your calendar for February 24, 2026, at 9:00 PM ET.
- Check your DVR if you’re a fan of shows like Deal or No Deal Island or other Tuesday night hits, as they will likely be moved to an earlier slot or postponed.
- Download a news app like PBS or C-SPAN if you want to watch the stream without the "talking head" commentary.