If you’re wondering what time is the State of the Union, you aren't alone. Washington is already buzzing. On January 7, 2026, House Speaker Mike Johnson officially sent the letter. He invited President Donald Trump to the U.S. Capitol. The date is set for Tuesday, February 24, 2026. This isn't just another speech; it’s the first formal State of the Union of Trump's second term. Last year he spoke to a joint session in March, but that was technically a "policy address" because he was just starting out. This time, it’s the real deal.
So, what time does the speech actually start?
Historically, the President walks into the House Chamber around 9:00 PM ET. That’s the magic number. If you are on the West Coast, you’re looking at 6:00 PM PT. Central time? 8:00 PM CT.
Expect the "pomp and circumstance" to start a few minutes early. The Sergeant at Arms will shout, "Madam Speaker" or "Mr. Speaker, the President of the United States!" Then there’s the slow walk down the aisle. He’ll shake hands. He’ll sign programs. Usually, the actual talking begins by 9:10 PM.
Why the late start?
Television. It’s all about the eyeballs. The White House wants the maximum number of people sitting on their couches. Prime time is the gold standard for reaching voters, especially in a midterm election year like 2026.
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Where can you watch it?
You won't have to look hard. Every major network will carry it live.
- Broadcast: ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX.
- Cable News: CNN, MSNBC, and FOX News.
- Public Media: PBS News (usually with great pre-show analysis).
- Streaming: The White House YouTube channel, X (formerly Twitter), and C-SPAN.
Honestly, if you have an internet connection or a set of rabbit ears, you're covered. Most networks start their "pre-game" coverage around 8:00 PM ET to talk about what they think the President will say.
What’s the big deal about 2026?
This year is special. It’s the Semiquincentennial Anniversary of American Independence. That’s a fancy way of saying the U.S. is turning 250. Speaker Johnson leaned heavily into this in his invitation. Expect the speech to be packed with patriotic imagery and references to 1776.
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It’s also a midterm year. Every seat in the House is up for grabs. A big chunk of the Senate too. This speech is the opening bell for the campaign season. Trump will likely tout his 2025 "consequential agenda" and try to set the tone for the November elections.
Who else will be there?
The room will be packed. You'll see:
- The Supreme Court Justices (usually looking very stoic).
- The Joint Chiefs of Staff (in full uniform).
- The entire Cabinet (minus the "Designated Survivor").
- Members of the House and Senate.
There is always one Cabinet member who stays at an undisclosed location. It’s a safety protocol just in case something catastrophic happens to the Capitol. It sounds like a movie plot because it basically is.
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The Republican vs. Democrat Dynamic
Since Republicans control both the House and the Senate right now, the vibe in the room will be different than during the Biden years. Speaker Mike Johnson and Vice President JD Vance will be sitting right behind the President. You’ll see a lot of jumping up and clapping from the right side of the aisle. The left side? Not so much.
The Democrats will give a "rebuttal" or response immediately after the President finishes. Usually, this happens around 10:30 PM ET. They pick a "rising star" in the party to speak from a podium in their home state. It’s often a tough gig because people usually start flipping the channel once the main event is over.
Actionable Steps for Viewers
- Check your local listings: While 9:00 PM ET is the standard, local news might shift things.
- Clear your DVR: These speeches often run long. If the President gets on a roll, it could easily go until 10:45 PM.
- Watch the "Guests": Keep an eye on the gallery. Presidents invite everyday citizens to highlight specific policies. Their stories often tell you more about the White House's priorities than the data does.
- Follow the Fact-Checkers: Sites like PolitiFact and various news desks will be live-checking claims in real-time. It’s helpful to have a second screen open.
The State of the Union is one of the few times the entire government is in one room. Whether you're a political junkie or just want to know why your favorite show is pre-empted, February 24 is the night to watch.