WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver his 2026 State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, February 24, at 9 p.m. Eastern Time. The annual address will outline the administration’s priorities and the current state of the nation, and will be widely broadcast across major news networks.
Viewers will have numerous options for watching the speech live, with comprehensive coverage planned by all major television networks, including Fox News. The event marks a significant moment in President Trump’s second term, coming as his economic policies, described as aiming to increase affordability, are set to take effect ahead of upcoming midterm elections. The address is expected to focus on the administration’s accomplishments and future legislative goals.
How to Watch the 2026 State of the Union Address
Fox News will begin its coverage of the State of the Union at 8:50 p.m. ET, continuing through the conclusion of the address at approximately 11 p.m. ET. Viewers can follow the coverage on Fox News Channel, FoxNews.com, the Fox News App, Fox Nation, and the Fox One app. The speech will also be livestreamed on the White House’s official website and YouTube page, providing accessibility for a broad audience.
Prior to the President’s address, Fox News will offer a preview of the key issues and expected themes. Martha MacCallum will host “The Story” at 3 p.m. ET, followed by Will Cain’s “The Will Cain Present” at 4 p.m. ET, offering a different perspective on the topics expected to be addressed. At 5 p.m. ET, “The Five” will provide analysis and commentary, and Bret Baier’s “Special Report” will offer further preview coverage. Laura Ingraham will continue the preview coverage at 7 p.m. ET with “The Ingraham Angle,” and Jesse Watters will preview the event at 8 p.m. ET on “Jesse Watters Primetime.” Following the address, Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum will return to provide immediate reaction and analysis with a panel of Fox News analysts, including Dana Perino and Brit Hume.
Democratic Response and Potential Boycott
While many are preparing to watch the President’s address, some Democratic lawmakers are planning alternative actions. Several Democrats intend to boycott the State of the Union address and instead attend a “People’s State of the Union” rally, according to reports. This move follows criticism of their behavior during President Trump’s address to Congress on March 4, 2025.
Senators Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Representatives Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.), Becca Balint (D-Vt.), Greg Casar (D-Texas), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) have confirmed their plans to participate in the alternative event. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) has stated his intention to attend the President’s address, asserting, “We’re not going to Donald Trump’s house. He’s coming to our house. It’s my view that you don’t let anyone ever run you off of your block.”
The State of the Union address is a constitutionally mandated event, requiring the President to inform Congress about the condition of the nation and recommend legislative priorities. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) invited President Trump to deliver this year’s address in January, praising his leadership and stating the country “stands stronger, freer, and more prosperous.”
As the date of the address approaches, attention will focus on the President’s policy proposals and the response from both sides of the aisle. The event is expected to be a key moment in the political landscape as the nation heads towards midterm elections.
Share your thoughts on the upcoming State of the Union address in the comments below.
