State of the Union 2026: Exact Date, Start Time, and How to Watch the President’s Address Live

The 2026 State of the Union Address is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time, when President Donald Trump will speak to a joint session of Congress from the House chamber of the U.S. Capitol. Why this date matters • Late-February timing means the White House can incorporate fresh economic data—such as fourth-quarter GDP and early-year jobs reports—giving the president a chance to frame the national narrative heading into the spring legislative calendar. • February 24 falls on a Tuesday, the weekday historically favored for maximum prime-time television reach. How to watch live 1. Major broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX) and cable news channels (CNN, Fox News, MSNBC) will begin coverage at 8 p.m. ET with analysis before the 9 p.m. speech. 2. The White House will stream the address in 4K on its official YouTube channel and at WhiteHouse.gov/live. 3. C-SPAN offers a cable-free option on C-SPAN.org and its mobile apps, providing an unfiltered feed with real-time transcripts. 4. Spanish-language networks Univision and Telemundo will carry simultaneous interpretation. 5. For audio-only access, SiriusXM POTUS channel 124 and most NPR member stations will simulcast. Key themes expected • Economy: look for headline claims about inflation, wage growth, and interest-rate trends to shore up confidence as the 2026 mid-term cycle begins. • Immigration and border security: following the bipartisan border framework stalled earlier this year, observers anticipate renewed pressure on Congress. • Emerging technology: insiders say the speech will spotlight American leadership in AI safety standards and quantum computing. • Foreign policy: with NATO-Russia tensions persisting, a section on defense spending and alliance commitments is virtually certain. What happens next? Immediately after the speech, a designated responder from the opposition party delivers a televised rebuttal, giving viewers two perspectives in the same hour. Within 48 hours, the president traditionally sends a more detailed policy blueprint—often dubbed the “Budget Appendix”—to Capitol Hill, where committee hearings kick off. Travel and security notes Washington, D.C. visitors should expect rolling road closures around the Capitol complex starting at noon on February 24. The U.S. Secret Service will impose a temporary no-drone zone extending roughly two nautical miles from the Capitol dome. FAQ (quick answers for search) • When is the 2026 State of the Union? Tuesday, February 24, 2026. • What time does it start? 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT. • How long will it last? Recent addresses average 70–75 minutes; plan on concluding near 10:15 p.m. ET. • Where can I stream it free? WhiteHouse.gov/live, YouTube, and C-SPAN.org all carry free feeds. Bottom line Circle February 24 on your calendar: the 2026 State of the Union Address is the marquee policy event of the year and a must-watch for voters, investors, and anyone tracking the direction of the country.