Overview
- The White House signals the address will spotlight the economy as Trump defends his tariff strategy after a Supreme Court ruling struck down his global tariff regime and he explores alternative legal paths.
- A funding impasse has left much of the Department of Homeland Security unfunded following backlash to aggressive immigration tactics, intensified by the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis.
- Officials say Trump will discuss Iran as the U.S. moves additional military assets to the region, raising expectations he could outline a public case for potential action without committing to specifics.
- Polling shows slipping approval and skepticism over affordability and inflation, with advisers urging Trump to stick to a disciplined, economy-first message despite his tendency to ad-lib a lengthy speech.
- More than 20 Democrats plan to boycott the address for a National Mall rally, while Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger will deliver the official Democratic response and Sen. Alex Padilla will give the Spanish-language rebuttal.