US President Donald Trump is going to deliver the 2026 State of the Union address at the US Capitol. This is going to be his first speech to the US Congress during this term. The speech will begin at 9 PM ET ( 7:30 AM IST 25 February ) and is expected to run for nearly 2 hours. The main focus of this year's State of the Union will revolve around border security, healthcare, tariffs, foreign policy and many more.
All 535 members of the House of Representatives and the US Senate have been invited as the speech is delivered before a combined House of Congress. However, many have said to boycott the invite. The 'designated survivor' will not be attending the speech.
What is the State of the Union?
The State of the Union is a speech delivered every year by the US President, addressing the Congress regarding the ongoing state of the nation, while meeting the requirements of Clause 1 of Section 3 under Article II of the US Constitution that mandates the President shall inform the House of the State of the Union and give his recommendations.
Role of the designated survivor
During the entire speech, one Cabinet member will be absent from the State of the Union, resulting in one chair remaining empty. The absent member will stay at a secure, undisclosed location to serve as the 'designated survivor' and, in case of the President and others in the line of succession die or are incapacitated, this person becomes President.
Also Read | Iran, immigration, tariffs - here's what to expect from Donald Trump's State of the Union address
Where to watch the State of the Union live
President Trump's speech to the State of the Union will be broadcast live from the US Capitol's House chamber in Washington, D.C. on 24 February 2026 at 9 PM ET ( 7:30 AM IST ). Major cable and broadcast channels will be airing the speech. The official YouTube channel of the White House will also live-stream the State of the Union.
Along with the members of the Congress, Justices of the Supreme Court, leaders of the armed forces and some of the selected guests will attend the State of the Union.
