U.S. President Donald Trump will deliver his State of the Union address to Congress on Tuesday at a politically sensitive moment, as falling approval ratings, economic concerns and rising tensions with Iran weigh on his presidency ahead of the November midterm elections.
The prime-time speech — his second address to Congress since returning to the White House 13 months ago — offers Trump an opportunity to rally voters and reinforce Republican control of Congress. However, it comes amid mounting domestic and foreign policy challenges.
The address follows a turbulent stretch for the administration, including a recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court invalidating Trump’s global tariff regime. New economic data has also shown slower-than-expected growth alongside accelerating inflation, intensifying concerns over the cost of living.
The president is expected to criticise the court’s decision and outline alternative legal pathways to reinstate much of the tariff policy. Some of the court’s nine justices are expected to attend the address, potentially creating awkward moments following Trump’s public criticism of the ruling.
White House officials say Trump will argue that he inherited a weak economy from his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden, and will highlight stock market gains, private-sector investments and tax cut legislation as evidence of economic progress.
Advisers have reportedly urged him to stay focused on affordability issues, though Trump has frequently veered off script in previous speeches.
The speech also comes as the Department of Homeland Security faces partial shutdown conditions amid partisan disputes over immigration enforcement. The administration has defended its aggressive border policies and deportation efforts, despite opinion polls suggesting many Americans believe enforcement has gone too far.
Additionally, Trump continues to face political fallout related to the government’s release of files connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
On the international front, Trump is expected to address escalating tensions with Iran over its nuclear programme. According to U.S. officials, the administration has repositioned warships to the Middle East and is weighing a range of options.
Two White House officials said the president will outline his approach to Iran during the address but declined to provide details. The speech coincides with the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, underscoring Trump’s unresolved pledge to end the war quickly.
The address is likely to face visible opposition from Democrats. More than 20 Democratic lawmakers are expected to skip the speech and instead attend a rally on the National Mall.
Senator Jeff Merkley said the alternative event would offer a more “honest description” of the administration’s record.
Virginia Governor Abby Spanberger will deliver the official Democratic response, while Senator Alex Padilla is set to provide the Spanish-language rebuttal.
With midterm elections approaching, the speech represents a critical moment for Trump and Republican lawmakers seeking to maintain congressional control. His previous address to Congress lasted 100 minutes — the longest in modern history — and aides have indicated that this year’s speech has been crafted with room for improvisation.
Political strategists say the challenge for Trump will be to project steadiness and discipline at a time when economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions dominate the national conversation.
