THE ADDRESS: Donald Trump will deliver the State of the Union tonight at 9 p.m. ET, in what he has signaled that tonight’s State of the Union will be an extended prime-time speech. His 2020 address lasted 1 hour and 18 minutes.
“So we have a country that’s now doing well. We have the greatest economy we’ve ever had. We have the most activity we’ve ever had. I’m making a speech tomorrow night, and you’ll be hearing me say that,” Trump said at the White House event yesterday.
THE MESSAGE: Trump is expected to focus on the economy, with an emphasis on affordability. The Democratic response will be delivered by Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger.
THE ECONOMIC BACKDROP: The address comes days after a setback at the Supreme Court tied to Trump’s tariff policy, a key pillar of his second-term agenda. The administration has also rolled out revised global tariffs, now set at 10%, as Trump faces weak approval ratings on economic issues.
THE POLITICAL STRATEGY: House Republicans have been advised to promote an “American comeback” message and draw sharp contrasts between Trump’s first year and the four years of former President Joe Biden, according to GOP talking points shared among lawmakers.
SPECIAL GUESTS: Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, is expected to attend as one of the president’s invited guests.
DEMOCRATIC STRATEGY: Democratic leaders are urging members to maintain decorum in the chamber while protesting strategically, including by bringing guests who highlight Trump’s vulnerabilities on issues such as immigration enforcement and the Epstein files.
DEMOCRATIC GUESTS: More than half a dozen House Democrats have invited survivors of Jeffrey Epstein as their guests to Trump’s State of the Union, underscoring efforts to draw attention to the issue during the address. Among them is Rep. Ro Khanna, a co-author of the Epstein Transparency Act, who said he will bring Haley Robson—who has said Epstein trafficked her beginning when she was 16—as his guest to the joint session of Congress.
THE BOYCOTT: More than two dozen Democratic lawmakers are expected to skip the address, as progressive groups host alternative events across Washington in protest.
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