What to watch for during Trump's State of the Union address
BBC Washington correspondent Daniel Bush on who may skip the speech, why the president is fuming at the Supreme Court, and what policies could, or couldn’t, be in for a shake‑up.
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Notable Quotes
"I do believe I probably would be impeached, OK?"
— Donald Trump , Politician
"no way to have special guests on the floor"
— Mike Johnson , Politician
"But what is disturbing more to me is that Congress has essentially just handed over their power."
— Nancy Henderson Korpi , Activist
"It's going to be a long speech because we have a lot to talk about."
— Donald Trump , Politician
"Gov. Spanberger will lay out a clear path forward: lower everyday costs, protect healthcare, and defend the freedoms that define who we are as a nation."
— Chuck Schumer , Politician
"President Trump is a disgrace. He’s easily the most corrupt President in American history by a long shot."
— Patty Murray , Politician
"Los miembros de su bancada pueden optar por asistir con 'desafío silencioso' o sumarse a actividades alternativas en señal de protesta."
— Hakeem Jeffries , Politician
Key People
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger became Virginia’s first female governor and has served three terms in the U.S. House.
California Senator Alex Padilla is delivering the Spanish-language rebuttal to President Trump's address.
Democratic Representative Al Green represents Texas's 9th congressional district.
Senate Minority Leader and a prominent Democratic senator from New York.
Former president of the United States known for his aggressive economic policies.
Democratic Senator from Michigan advocating for the bridge's economic benefits.
House minority leader who paid tribute to David Scott.
Current U.S. President who has criticized Netanyahu's actions.
The former Chief of Staff for the Acting U.S. Secretary of Defense.
U.S. Senator from Alabama who expressed condolences for the death of James 'Weston' Higginbotham.
Mark Carney is the Prime Minister of Canada.
Mike Johnson is the Speaker of the House from Louisiana.
Nancy Guthrie is an 84-year-old woman who was recently abducted from her home in Arizona.
Nancy Henderson Korpi is a retiree who joined an Indivisible protest group.
Neil Gorsuch is an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.
Senator Patty Murray represents Washington in the U.S. Senate.
Pierre Polievre is a Canadian politician and member of the Conservative Party.
Locations
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All Coverage
BBC Washington correspondent Daniel Bush on who may skip the speech, why the president is fuming at the Supreme Court, and what policies could, or couldn’t, be in for a shake‑up.
President Trump is set to deliver the State of the Union address to a nation transformed by his expansive executive actions, with Congress often sidelined in his second term.
President Trump prepares to deliver the State of the Union address amid political challenges, including low approval ratings and a partial government shutdown.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger will deliver the Democratic response to President Trump's upcoming State of the Union address, advocating for reduced everyday costs and healthcare protection.
El 24 de febrero de 2026, el presidente Donald Trump pronunciará su primer discurso del Estado de la Unión de su segundo mandato, en un contexto de fuerte tensión política en Washington.
The U.S. women's ice hockey team declined President Trump's invitation to attend the State of the Union address, citing scheduling conflicts due to academic and professional commitments.
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