Feb. 17, 2026, 6:48 p.m. ET
President Donald Trump is set to deliver the first State of the Union address of his second administration next week, speaking before a joint session of Congress.
Trump did address lawmakers in March last year, but that speech wasn’t technically a State of the Union. Presidents usually start with a joint address early in their first year, then move on to formal State of the Union speeches in the years that follow.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) invited Trump to deliver this year’s address in January. In a letter later shared on X, Johnson praised Trump’s leadership, saying the country “stands stronger, freer, and more prosperous.”
“Since his return to office, @POTUS has not stopped working for the American people and delivering on his promises,” Johnson wrote. “The best is yet to come.”
Here’s what to know about Trump’s upcoming State of the Union, including when it happens and how to watch.
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 9 p.m. ET. Coverage of the event is expected to run from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET. USA TODAY will live stream coverage, both on its YouTube Channel and website.
Apart from 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’ 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.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
