State of the Union Address 2026: How Long Does It Last and What Will Trump Talk About? Merca2.0
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, will deliver the 2026 State of the Union Address this Tuesday, February 24, marking the first of his second term. The message to Congress is one of the most important political events of the year, as it allows the president to present his vision for the country and legislative priorities. One of the aspects generating the most anticipation, however, is the length of the speech. Here’s everything we know so far.
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How long will the 2026 State of the Union Address last?
The U.S. Constitution requires the president to inform Congress about the state of the nation but does not set a time limit for the address. During his first term, Trump’s speeches to Congress averaged around 1 hour and 20 minutes. In 2025, during a joint session that was not formally a State of the Union, he spoke for 1 hour, 39 minutes, and 32 seconds. If the 2026 address follows the trend of lengthy interventions, it could exceed an hour and a half.
What has been the longest State of the Union Address in U.S. history?
In the modern era, several presidents have delivered speeches lasting over 80 minutes. Among the longest are:
- Bill Clinton: 1 hour 28 minutes
- George W. Bush: 1 hour 29 minutes
- Barack Obama: 1 hour 28 minutes
- Donald Trump: 1 hour 22 minutes (2019)
What will Donald Trump talk about in the State of the Union Address 2026?
Although the exact details of the speech remain confidential, Trump is expected to address multiple issues of national and international relevance. Among the anticipated topics are immigration policy, the economy, foreign policy, and other legislative priorities.
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One of the most sensitive points could be the relationship with Iran, as recent reports indicate that the administration is evaluating various military options, including possible limited strikes to strengthen the United States’ negotiating position. On the economic front, Trump may address his new tariff policy after the Supreme Court struck down most of his global tariffs for being unlawful, representing a key adjustment in his trade agenda.
Discussion about funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and reform demands is also expected to be part of the speech, highlighting coordination challenges between Democrats and Republicans. Immigration will also be a central issue, especially following recent incidents involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the deaths of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis.
What time can you watch the State of the Union Address 2026 LIVE?
The broadcast of Trump’s speech will begin at 9 p.m. ET from the Capitol, where the joint session of Congress will take place.
Where to watch the State of the Union Address 2026 LIVE
Interested viewers can tune in to the live broadcast on various television networks and streaming platforms, such as:
- Fox News
- CNN
- ABC News
- PBS News
- Telemundo
- Hulu Live TV
- YouTube TV
- Paramount+
- Peacock
What is the State of the Union Address?
The State of the Union Address is the annual report the president presents to a joint session of Congress to fulfill the constitutional mandate of informing lawmakers about the condition of the country. The message outlines the nation’s economic, political, and social situation, as well as the legislative agenda the executive branch aims to promote during the year.
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