President Donald Trump will take the podium in Washington on Tuesday evening to deliver his first State of the Union address of his second term.
The prime-time speech comes as California continues to clash with the administration on climate rules, border enforcement and the cost of living, while also relying on federal support for wildfire recovery and infrastructure.
Earlier this month, the president touted his approval ratings as “The highest Poll Numbers I have ever received,” FOX News reported.
“Obviously, people like a strong and powerful Country, with the best economy, EVER!” Trump wrote on his platform, Truth Social, the news outlet reported.
But where does Trump stand in the public eye, according to the polls?
How do Californians see Trump?
In California, Trump had a net approval rating of -23 as of Feb 9, meaning 37% of Californians approved of the president, while 60% disapproved, according to Morning Consult, which surveys thousands of registered American voters daily.
Last year, Trump’s approval rating in the Golden State decreased from a 41% in March 2025 to 37% in December 2025, data from Morning Consult shows.
While Trump’s approval rating fares poorly in California, it is lower in five other states: Rhode Island (36%); Massachusetts (32%); Maryland (31%); Hawaii (31%); and Vermont (31%), according to Morning Consult.
Trump’s approval rating was highest in the states of Wyoming (64%); Idaho(60%); and West Virginia(58%), Morning Consult said.
How does Trump’s approval rating fair nationally?
According to a Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll released Sunday, 39% of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of the presidency.
That rating is roughly unchanged from a previous ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll from October 2025, which showed a 41% approval rating.
When is the State of the Union and how can you watch it?
Trump is set to deliver his State of the Union address on Feb. 24 starting at 6 p.m. PT. Coverage of the event is expected to run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. EPT. USA TODAY will live-stream coverage, both on its YouTube Channel and website.
In addition to USA TODAY’s live stream, the State of the Union will be broadcast on all major television networks, including ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox News, NPR, and PBS.
What is the State of the Union?
According to Congress’s website, the State of the Union is when the president outlines the state of the country and what Congress should focus on next.
The address is required by the U.S. Constitution, which directs the president to keep lawmakers informed about the state of the nation and propose legislative priorities.
Traditionally, the speech is delivered sometime between early January and early February.
What should Californians listen for?
For California viewers, the speech is expected to touch on several areas where the state and White House have been on a collision course or deeply intertwined:
Even when California officials openly oppose the administration, State of the Union proposals often signal where federal dollars — or federal pushback — may be headed.
What is the State of the Union?
According to Congress’ website, the State of the Union is when the president outlines how the country is doing and what Congress should focus on next.
The address is required by the U.S. Constitution, which directs the president to keep lawmakers informed about the state of the nation and propose legislative priorities.
Traditionally, the speech is delivered sometime between early January and early February.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Ahead of State of the Union, how do Californians see Trump?
Reporting by Fernando Cervantes Jr., James Ward and Daniella Segura, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
