Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Trump Begins First State of the Union of Second Term Before Joint Session of Congress

The speech unfolds during a Department of Homeland Security shutdown, with Democrats staging a National Mall response.

Overview

  • Scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Eastern, the address marks President Trump's first formal State of the Union of his second term.
  • The White House and lawmakers curated a symbolic guest list that includes U.S. Olympic hockey gold medalists, Artemis II astronauts, and relatives of high-profile victims and dissidents.
  • Ukraine’s ambassador to the U.S., Olga Stefanishina, received an invitation and said she expects the president to reference Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
  • Observers anticipate an emphasis on domestic priorities with foreign-policy notes, particularly on Iran.
  • Several Democrats plan to boycott the Capitol speech as Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger delivers the party’s response on the National Mall, against a backdrop of immigration disputes and a DHS shutdown.