Speaker Seeks Trump’s Presence for State of the Union
On January 8, 2026, GOP House Speaker Mike Johnson formally invited President Donald Trump to present the State of the Union address during a joint session of Congress, scheduled for February 24. Johnson announced this via a post on X, including a letter he penned to the president.
In his letter, Johnson highlighted the importance of the occasion, stating, “As our nation marks the Semiquincentennial anniversary of American Independence, the United States stands stronger, freer, and more prosperous under your leadership and bold action. Together in 2025, your administration and the 119th Congress delivered one of the most consequential agendas in history, and Americans across this great country will experience the tangible results of commonsense governance.” He expressed eagerness for the ongoing work ahead in 2026, emphasizing the commitment to serve the American people and uphold the principles of self-governance.
Johnson noted that this year is particularly significant, marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, with the Trump administration planning various celebrations throughout 2026.
Currently, Republicans dominate both chambers of Congress and are gearing up to secure their majority in the upcoming midterm elections. The State of the Union address will provide Trump with a platform to communicate the GOP’s messages to voters ahead of this pivotal election season.
However, in response to a question from CBS News, Johnson mentioned that the date for the address had not been set in stone. He explained, “We were looking at some alternative dates and trying to figure out what works, but I think that’s the week that we’re in session in mid-to-late February.” This timing seems to align with the preferences expressed by the White House.
This upcoming address will actually be Trump’s first formal State of the Union of his second term, following his earlier address to Congress in March, which wasn’t classified as a formal State of the Union. During his last address, then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi made headlines for her dramatic act of tearing up a copy of the speech while some members applauded. She later referred to it as “a manifesto of mistruths.”
The State of the Union address is mandated by the U.S. Constitution, which states that the president “shall from time to time give to the Congress information of the state of the union, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.”
