Live updates: Trump delivers State of the Union address
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump will stand before Congress on Tuesday night to deliver the annual State of the Union address to a suddenly transformed nation.
One year back in office, Trump has emerged as a president defying conventional expectations. He has executed a head-spinning agenda, upending priorities at home, shattering alliances abroad and challenging the nation’s foundational system of checks and balances. Two Americans were killed by federal agents while protesting the Trump administration’s immigration raids and mass deportations.
U.S. President Donald Trump delivers his State of the Union address during a Joint Session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on February 24, 2026, in Washington, DC. Trump delivered his address days after the Supreme Court struck down the administratio
Here is the latest news:
Trump declares "Golden Age of America"
In his remarks, President Donald Trump declared that America has entered a "golden age," celebrating what he described as a dramatic national revival. Reflecting on the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence, he praised the country as stronger and more prosperous than ever.
Trump contrasted the current moment with what he called a nation in crisis a year ago, citing economic stagnation, inflation, border security issues, and global instability.
He asserted that his administration has since secured the border, reduced inflation, strengthened the economy, rebuilt the military and law enforcement, and restored global respect for the United States, calling the shift a historic "turnaround for the ages."
Trump arrives at the State of the Union
President Trump entered the chamber for the State of the Union address to a standing ovation. Lawmakers rose to their feet as applause echoed throughout the room, with Congressional Republicans, Supreme Court justices, and members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff joining in. Cheers also rang out from spectators seated in the gallery above the House floor.
Audience poll: How long will Trump speech last?
LiveNOW from FOX viewers weigh on exactly how long they think the State of the Union will last tonight, as Trump has promised a long speech.
Trump arrives at the Capitol
The president departed the White House at 8:33 p.m. and reached the Capitol at 8:41 p.m. His address is set to begin at 9 p.m.
Vice President JD Vance and senators make their entrances
Vance and Senate Majority Leader John Thune greeted lawmakers with handshakes as they walked in.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer followed with the rest of the attending senators.
Applause rippled through the gallery as they arrived.
WATCH Trump's entrance into the House for his State of the Union address
President Trump enters the chambers of Congress to give his State of the Union address for 2026.
Erika Kirk attends State of the Union as Trump’s guest
Erika Kirk, the widow of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, attended the State of the Union on Tuesday night as President Donald Trump’s guest.
Erika Kirk (L) waits for the start of the Union address during a Joint Session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on February 24, 2026, in Washington, DC. Trump delivered his address days after the Supreme Court struck down the administration's tariff s
Trump says to expect a lengthy State of the Union
By one measure, he’s already the most talkative president since Lyndon B. Johnson. Data from the University of California, Santa Barbara’s American Presidency Project show that Trump’s joint addresses and State of the Union speeches during his first term averaged 80 minutes and 20 seconds.
Last year, his joint address stretched past 99 minutes — longer than any recorded State of the Union speech. Only Bill Clinton, whose addresses averaged just under 75 minutes, regularly came close to Trump’s speaking time.
Who will give the Democratic response?
The other side:
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger will deliver the Democratic response to Trump’s State of the Union address, just months after resoundingly winning an office previously held by a Republican.
Spanberger, who served three terms in the U.S. House, became Virginia’s first female governor earlier this year. She won by a double-digit margin, campaigning on affordability and lowering costs for families — a message Democrats are now elevating as they seek to win back the House and Senate in this year’s midterm elections.
The Source: The Associated Press contributed to this report. The information in this story comes from a combination of official government data, public opinion polling, and statements from President Donald Trump and his administration. This story was reported from Los Angeles.