WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is set to deliver his State of the Union address tonight, February 25, 2026, before a joint session of Congress, promising a lengthy and potentially contentious speech. The address comes at a pivotal moment, just over a year into his second term, and as the nation grapples with deep political divisions ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Trump has signaled he intends to use the platform to aggressively defend his policies and counter criticism, telling reporters to “buckle up” for a “long speech” due to the breadth of topics he plans to cover. Several high-profile Democrats are opting to boycott the address, instead holding a “People’s State of the Union” rally led by Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, widely considered a rising star within the Democratic Party.
The economy is expected to be a central theme, despite a recent Supreme Court ruling against Trump’s global tariff mandate. He is anticipated to reiterate his “America First” trade agenda and potentially threaten further protectionist measures, framing them as necessary to protect U.S. industry and improve affordability for American consumers.
Foreign policy will also feature prominently, with particular attention expected to be paid to escalating tensions in the Middle East. The presence of two U.S. aircraft carriers in the region underscores the gravity of the situation as Trump weighs options regarding Iran. The administration is also likely to highlight the recent capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces as a foreign policy success.
Immigration remains a cornerstone of Trump’s agenda. He is expected to tout record-low border crossing figures and defend the tactics employed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), even in the face of controversy surrounding incidents where ICE agents have caused the deaths of U.S. citizens during protests.
The speech is being closely watched as a potential kickoff to the 2026 election cycle, with both parties preparing for a fierce battle for control of Congress. The address is expected to set the tone for the coming months and further define the political landscape as the nation heads towards another contentious election year.
