Mark your calendars. The next State of the Union address is officially scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, 2026. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson sent the formal invite just a few days ago, on January 7, 2026. President Donald Trump has already accepted. This isn't just another speech; it’s actually his first official State of the Union of this second term. You might remember he spoke to a joint session of Congress back in March 2025, but technically, that wasn’t a SOTU. Tradition dictates that a president’s first-year address is just a "joint session speech."
Now, we’re back to the real deal.
What Time Does the SOTU Start?
You’ll want to be on your couch by 9:00 PM ET.
The networks—ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, Fox News, you name it—usually start their pre-show hype around 8:00 PM or 8:30 PM. The President typically walks into the House Chamber, spends ten minutes shaking hands with people who probably yelled at him on Twitter earlier that day, and then hits the podium.
Usually, the whole thing wraps up around 10:30 PM or 11:00 PM, depending on how many times the "applause breaks" happen. Honestly, if there's a lot of heckling or standing ovations, it could drag on. Last year’s March address was actually one of the longest in history, clocking in at nearly an hour and 40 minutes.
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Why the February 24 Date Matters
There’s a bit of a "vibe" to this specific date. Speaker Johnson’s invitation specifically mentioned that 2026 is the 250th anniversary of American independence. Expect a lot of "Semiquincentennial" talk.
Also, this is a midterm election year.
That matters because every single seat in the House and a third of the Senate are up for grabs in November. This speech is basically the opening bell for the 2026 campaign season. Trump will likely use this platform to set the GOP’s agenda, while Democrats will be lining up their "Response" speech—which usually happens about five minutes after the President stops talking—to offer the counter-narrative.
What Will the President Talk About?
Based on what's been happening in D.C. lately, we can make some pretty educated guesses.
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First off, Greenland. Yes, that's still a thing. In early 2025, the administration made some serious noise about "incorporating" Greenland into the U.S. if the locals were down for it. It’s a national security play, and you can bet he’ll give an update on where those talks stand.
Then you’ve got the economy. You've probably seen the headlines about the "Make America Healthy Again" commission. With RFK Jr. leading the charge at HHS, expect a decent chunk of the speech to focus on food dyes, toxins, and why our cereal looks different than it does in Europe.
Key Topics Likely on the Menu:
- Tariffs: The "reciprocal" trade policies against China, Mexico, and Canada.
- The Border: An update on the national emergency and the military deployment that started in 2025.
- Foreign Policy: Especially the ceasefire efforts in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- The Price of Eggs: Seriously. Last year he spent a good minute on grocery prices, and "affordability" is still the word of the year for most families.
How to Watch the Address
You don't need cable. You really don't.
Basically every major streaming platform will have a live feed. The White House usually streams it on YouTube and X (formerly Twitter). If you prefer the old-school way, just turn on any broadcast channel.
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If you’re a political junkie, you might also want to catch the State of the State addresses happening around the same time. For instance, New York Governor Kathy Hochul just gave hers on January 13. These local speeches often signal how governors plan to fight—or help—the federal agenda.
What Most People Get Wrong About the SOTU
A lot of folks think the President has to give this speech in person.
Technically, the Constitution (Article II, Section 3) just says the President "shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union." For a long time, presidents just sent a letter. It was Woodrow Wilson who really leaned into the "big event" format in 1913.
Also, the "Designated Survivor" thing is real. One cabinet member will be tucked away in a secret, secure location just in case something catastrophic happens to the Capitol. It’s a bit morbid, but it’s a standard security protocol that’s been around for decades.
Actionable Steps for Feb 24
If you're planning to watch, or just want to stay informed without losing your mind, here's what to do:
- Check the "Designated Survivor": It’s usually announced about an hour before the speech. It’s a fun piece of trivia that tells you who the administration trusts to stay behind.
- Filter the Fact-Checks: Don't just follow one news source. Both sides are going to spin the numbers on inflation and border crossings. Have a non-partisan fact-checker open on your phone.
- Watch the Crowd: Sometimes the most interesting stuff happens in the background—who’s sitting next to whom, who refuses to clap, and who's wearing "protest" colors (like the suffragette white we've seen in years past).
- Listen for the "Big Ask": Presidents always include one or two things they know Congress won't actually pass, just to put the other party on the spot. Identify what those are to see what the 2026 campaign ads will be about.
The 2026 State of the Union is going to be a loud, high-stakes night in Washington. Whether you're there for the policy or the drama, February 24 is the date to watch.