What time is Trump's speech tonight?—Spoiler: It is not a State of the Union address
The highly-anticipated speech comes after markets tumbled following President Trump's steep tariffs on key U.S. trading partners.
On Tuesday night, President Donald Trump is set to deliver a speech, but it’s important to note that this is not a State of the Union address. While the event has drawn significant attention, it differs in format and purpose from the annual tradition. Here’s what you need to know about the speech, when and where to watch, and why it stands apart from the State of the Union.
Trump will stand at the front of the U.S. House chamber to address a joint session of Congress, with six weeks into his second term in office. The speech will take place at Congress in Washington, D.C., and it's the first major speech since returning to the White House in January. It’s an opportunity for Trump to lay out his agenda and talk about key policy objectives.
What time is President Trump's speech? Where and how to watch
The timing of the speech is significant, as it comes amid a busy political season. Trump's discourse is set to begin 9pm ET (6pm PT, 8pm CT) on Tuesday 4 March in Washington, DC.
Trump's speech will be shown on all the major network and cable television stations. Some of those news outlets will also carry live streams on its YouTube page.
Trump's speech is not a State of the Union Address
The State of the Union address is a constitutionally mandated event where the president reports on the nation’s condition and outlines legislative priorities. However, tonight’s speech is an independent event, allowing President Trump to focus on specific topics without the formalities of the State of the Union. This flexibility gives him the opportunity to address current issues, achievements, or policy goals in a more targeted manner.
The speech is officially known as a joint address to Congress, a term that originated during President Ronald Reagan's first term. While the State of the Union is typically delivered in January or February, the U.S. Constitution mandates that the president inform Congress and propose policies on the joint address, but it does not specify when this address should occur. The newly-elected Michigan senator Elissa Slotkin will be the one to offer the Democratic Party’s rebuttal to Trump’s address.
What will be the topics
In his invitation letter to Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson encouraged the president to present his “America First vision for our legislative future.” Trump is expected to outline his agenda following a dramatic start that has altered both domestic and foreign policy.
Since taking office, Trump has empowered Elon Musk to shrink the federal workforce, imposed tariff threats on allies, and strengthened ties with longtime adversaries. His administration has launched mass federal layoffs, mobilized law enforcement and the military for large-scale deportations, and unsettled Europe with efforts to broker a Russia-Ukraine peace deal favoring Moscow. These actions reflect a sweeping and controversial approach to governance in his early weeks in office.