Donald Trump’s State of the Union: When it is, how to watch it, and who is boycotting it

At a time of high political tension in Washington, President Donald Trump is preparing to deliver the first State of the Union address of his second term on February 24. According to allies and critics, Trump will seek to highlight 13 months of accelerated deregulation, a record number of executive actions, and massive cuts to federal agencies.

The speech comes as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) remains partially shut down due to a budget standoff with Democrats, following a legal setback to its tariff policy and amid growing protests from the opposition over immigration reforms and changes in law enforcement by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In addition, questions continue to swirl around the investigation related to Jeffrey Epstein, an issue that has also reached high-profile political figures.

What is the State of the Union?

The State of the Union address is a requirement established in Article II, Section 3 of the United States Constitution, which requires the president to report from “time to time” to Congress on the state of the country and to propose legislative priorities. Traditionally, the speech is held at the beginning of the year.

Although today it is a televised speech broadcast during prime time, it was originally a written report sent to Capitol Hill. Over time, it became a public address before a joint session of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The invitation was sent in January by House Speaker Mike Johnson, who praised Trump’s administration and highlighted the achievements made since his return to the White House.

Where can I watch it?

The speech will take place on Tuesday, February 24, at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., before a joint session of Congress. The broadcast will be available on major national networks such as ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox News, NPR, and PBS, as well as on digital platforms and social media. Media outlets such as PBS will offer special coverage beginning hours before the speech.

What time does it start?

It will begin at 9:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) and run until approximately 11:00 p.m.

Boycott

A growing group of Democratic lawmakers has announced that they will not attend the speech. Instead, at least a dozen will participate in an alternative rally called the People’s State of the Union, scheduled for 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time on the National Mall.

The event has been organized by progressive groups such as MoveOn and MeidasTouch and will feature lawmakers and citizens who have accused the president of normalizing authoritarian practices and pushing immigration policies they consider unfair. Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers have criticized the boycott and defended the institutional relevance of the event, noting that it is a constitutional obligation.

These are some of the Democrats who announced they will participate in the boycott:

• Sen. Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts)
• Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon)
• Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut)
• Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minnesota)
• Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland)
• Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-Arizona)
• Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vermont)
• Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas)
• Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas)
• Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Washington)
• Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Illinois)
• Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-New Jersey)
• Rep. John Larson (D-Connecticut)

The Democratic minority leader in the House, Hakeem Jeffries, indicated that members of his caucus may choose to attend with a “silent challenge” or join alternative activities in protest.

Democratic response

As has been tradition since the 1960s, the opposition party will offer an official response after the presidential address.

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger will deliver the Democratic response in English. Spanberger, considered a rising star within the party, was elected in November in a race seen as a warning sign for Republicans ahead of the midterm elections. For his part, California Senator Alex Padilla will deliver the response in Spanish.

In addition, Representative Summer Lee will give a progressive response on behalf of the Working Families Party.

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