The speech is a chance for Trump to make his case ahead of the midterms.
Last updated: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 2:22AM GMTof how the president is handling inflation, tariffs, relations with other countries, immigration and the economy, according to an ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll.
For Trump, the high-profile speech is a chance to make the case directly to millions of Americans ahead of November's midterm elections where control of Congress is at stake. ABC News has special coverage of the State of the Union and the Democratic response. Watch ABC News Live in the video player above. The address is also streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.President Trump started off his address saying, "Our nation is back, bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before." "After just one year, I can say with dignity and pride that we have achieved a transformation like no one has ever seen before, and a turnaround for the ages. It is indeed a turnaround for the ages," Trump said. President Donald Trump arrives to deliver his State of the Union address at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on Feb. 24, 2026.President Trump entered the House chamber just after 9 p.m. to boisterous applause. He is shaking hands with lawmakers as he makes his way to the dais. This is Trump's first State of the Union address of his second term. President Donald Trump is greeted as he walks into the House Chamber to give his State of the Union at the Capitol in Washington, DC, on Feb. 24, 2026.First lady Melania Trump was greeted with applause as she entered the chamber. She is seated with members of the Trump family, including Barron and Ivanka Trump. First Lady Melania Trump stands and waves as she arrives for the State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, on Feb. 24, 2026.Trump is expected to tout himself as a peacemaker in his speech, according to excerpts released by the White House. "As president, I will make peace wherever I can -- but I will never hesitate to confront threats to America wherever we must," Trump will say. Iran looms large over Trump's address tonight. U.S. military assets have been surging to the Middle East for weeks, as Trump seeks to strike a nuclear deal with Tehran.
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