President Donald Trump will deliver his first State of the Union address of his second term Tuesday evening, Feb. 24, before a joint session of Congress, but at least some Democrats say they won’t take part.
Trump’s speech to a joint session of the U.S. Congress will be broadcast live across all major U.S. news networks starting at 9 p.m. ET on Feb. 24. You can also tune in via online livestreams from USA TODAY.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, invited Trump to deliver this year’s address in January, USA TODAY reported. In a letter later shared on X, Johnson praised Trump’s leadership, saying the country “stands stronger, freer, and more prosperous.”
A group of 12 prominent Democrats will boycott the speech, opting instead to hold a rally they’ve called “The People’s State of the Union,” on the National Mall.
Here’s what to know about the State of the Union.
What time is the State of the Union address?
President Donald Trump will deliver his first State of the Union address of his second term starting at 9 p.m. ET on Feb. 24.
What happens at the State of the Union?
The State of the Union is an annual speech the U.S. president delivers to the U.S. Congress, providing an update on the position of the nation and on their policy goals, according to Congress.gov.
How can you watch the State of the Union address?
The State of the Union will be broadcast live across all major television and radio news networks, including ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, NPR and PBS from 9-11 p.m. on Feb. 24.
You’ll also be able to tune in via livestreams on USA TODAY’s YouTube Channel and website.
Are any Democratic member of Congress planning to boycott?
Yes, a group of prominent Democratic lawmakers are planning to boycott Trump’s State of the Union, USA TODAY reported. The 12 — five senators and seven members of the House of Representatives — will hold a rally on the National Mall that they’ve dubbed “The People’s State of the Union,” during Trump’s speech.
USA TODAY contributed.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: When is the State of the Union address 2026? How to watch Trump speech
Reporting by Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
