US President Donald Trump returns to Congress on Wednesday for his second term’s first State of the Union address, set to make his case for a presidency he says is “Making America Great Again” even if parts of his agenda fail at home and abroad.
The televised speech, scheduled for 9 pm ET Tuesday (7:30 am IST Wednesday), will place Trump before a joint session of Congress. It comes just over a year into his second term and months before midterm elections that potentially could change control of Capitol Hill.
The US President is expected to frame his first year back in office as a period of economic revival, tougher border enforcement and more assertive US as a superpower. Even if, some Americans still feel squeezed by costs and unsettled by polarising policies. The address will be Trump’s most prominent attempt yet to bridge that perception gap.
WHAT THE STATE OF THE UNION MEANS
The State of the Union is the US President’s constitutionally mandated report to Congress on the condition of the nation and priorities ahead. Over time, it has evolved into one of Washington’s biggest political events — equal parts policy roadmap, political messaging exercise and televised spectacle.
Lawmakers from the Democratic and Republican Parties, Supreme Court justices, top military leaders and invited guests will fill the House chamber. Vice-President JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson will sit behind Trump as he speaks. A Democratic rebuttal will follow, while some opposition lawmakers plan to boycott the address and attend an alternative “People’s State of the Union” gathering nearby.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM TRUMP’S ADDRESS
Trump is expected to reiterate that the US economy is expanding, pointing to job growth, rising domestic manufacturing and stock market gains. He has said inflation is under control and his policies have put the economy on a stronger footing.
Yet public sentiment remains mixed. According to reports, growth slowed late last year and many households continue to report pressure from living costs. Economists note that headline indicators such as markets or unemployment often fail to reflect everyday financial strain.
Immigration enforcement — which is facing heat since Trump assumed office for second time — is expected to feature prominently. The US President claimed illegal crossings have fallen sharply during his term, but aggressive deportation operations by ICE officials triggered controversy after killings in Minnesota.
Trade policy will also loom large following a recent Supreme Court ruling that struck down elements of Trump’s global tariff regime. The President has criticised the decision and imposed fresh 15 per cent tariffs. He also hinted that he will pursue alternative legal paths to impose import duties to protect the interests of Americans.
Trump is also likely to stress military and diplomatic actions abroad, including potential strikes on Iran-linked targets, pressure on Venezuela and efforts to broker ceasefires in conflicts across the planet. Two US aircraft carriers have recently been deployed to the Middle East amid renewed tensions with Tehran.
Recent polls show Donald Trump’s approval ratings have slipped ahead of his State of the Union address, with surveys putting his approval in the high-30s and disapproval around 60 per cent. Ipsos poll found 60 per cent of Americans disapprove of his performance, while only about 39 percent approve, with especially weak ratings on inflation, tariffs and immigration. His support has fallen sharply among younger voters.
Wednesday’s address doubles as an early campaign platform ahead of November’s midterm elections. While Trump himself is not on the ballot, the outcome will determine how freely he can govern in the rest of his term.
With inputs from agencies
