Tonight, President Trump will deliver an important speech to a joint session of Congress, his first speech before either chamber since taking office almost six weeks ago.
Early in their term, presidents typically address Congress to lay out their legislative agenda and priorities. Although this speech is not formally categorized as a State of the Union address, it is an Address to a Joint Session of Congress that provides insight into the administration’s national agenda.
In January, House Speaker Mike Johnson officially asked President Trump to “share his America First vision for our future.” Johnson emphasized the importance of this moment in his letter, saying that the Trump administration and Republican congressional majorities have the power to influence a critical period in American history.
Johnson remarked, “America’s Golden Age has begun,” quoting Trump’s inaugural speech. He said that the administration’s plan included a “resurgence of patriotism, unity, and hope for the future” as major themes.
When Does Trump’s Speech Begin and End?
Shortly after 9 p.m. ET, President Trump is scheduled to make his speech to a joint session of Congress. While the precise length is uncertain, previous addresses suggest that it may be anything from an hour to more than 80 minutes. According to the American Presidency Project, Trump’s 2017 joint address lasted approximately an hour during his first term, although his subsequent State of the Union speeches typically lasted about 80 minutes.
According to a White House official, this year’s speech, which has as its theme “The Renewal of the American Dream,” will highlight the administration’s accomplishments to date as well as economic programs, border security, and foreign policy initiatives. Trump hinted at his comments in a late Monday post on Truth Social, saying he will “TELL IT LIKE IT IS!”
Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan will give the official Democratic response after the president’s speech.
How to Watch Trump’s Speech on Cable
Starting at 9 p.m. ET, CBS News will broadcast live coverage of the Democratic rebuttal and the president’s speech as part of a primetime special. For information on the broadcast, check your local CBS station.
How Can You Watch Trump’s Speech Without Cable?
Those without cable can watch CBS News coverage for free on:
- CBSNews.com
- CBS News app
- Paramount+ (CBS News 24/7 channel)
An Important Context Before Trump’s Address to Congress
President Trump’s address to Congress is just six weeks into his second term, which has seen a number of major changes in how the government functions. Americans accept these broad changes, but there is disagreement on whether they are for the better or worse, according to a CBS News poll published on Sunday.
The Trump administration has launched ambitious bureaucratic revisions focusing on cost reductions and state shrinking. The key actor in this effort is Elon Musk, who Trump has appointed to the newly created Government Efficiency (DOGE). Agents are working with the federal department to cut down the state’s workforce and reduce costs. In response, Democrats bring in former federal employees who have lost their jobs based on these cuts as guests to highlight the personal impact of administration policy.
One of the most offensive measures in the administration has so far been the state’s impulse to strengthen border security. In Trump’s first month, illegal border crossings fell sharply, reflecting the administration’s harsh attitude. But efforts to carry out what the White House describes as the biggest deportation operation in US history reveal hurdles including the release of ice employees and overcrowding in detention centers, which are operating at over 110% capacity.
Border security has received support in recent surveys, but Americans say inflation and the economy should continue to have top priorities. However, the administration’s trade approach raised concerns when Trump’s new tariffs (including 25% of North American imports) in Canada, Mexico and China came into effect Tuesday, sparking retaliation measures from US trading partners.
With a Republican majority in the House. This continues to challenge Trump’s legislative agenda. Last week, the House approved a budget decision that addresses administrative control for border security, defense and energy, simultaneously extending the 2017 tax cuts. But the fate in the Senate remains uncertain as legislators discuss alternative proposals.
Trump’s return to office has already caused waves on the world stage. Last week, a meeting with Ukrainian President Voldymi Zelensky intensified, and Zelensky was asked to leave the White House without signing a rare earth contract. On Monday, the government announced a break in US aid for Ukraine, asking further questions about America’s role in the current war with Russia.
Fallout follows Trump’s recent controversial remarks, which he has refusing to apply the same label to Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling Zelensky a “dictator.” Given the extensive US military aid to Ukraine over the past three years, this diplomatic flap could have great consequences for war efforts.
