In record State of the Union, Trump spars with Dems, touts economy and immigration

The speech was a chance for Trump to make his case ahead of the midterms.

ByAlexandra Hutzler, Ivan Pereira, and Meredith Deliso
Last Updated: February 24, 2026, 11:57 PM EST

President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union Tuesday night in Washington, as a majority of Americans disapprove of how he is handling inflation, tariffs, relations with other countries, immigration and the economy, according to an ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll.

For Trump, the speech was a chance to make the case directly to millions of Americans ahead of November's midterm elections where control of Congress is at stake. Dozens of Democrats, meanwhile, skipped the speech in protest.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news developed:
Feb 24, 2026, 1:15 PM EST

Trump to deliver 1st State of the Union of his 2nd term

When President Trump delivers the first State of the Union address of his second term, it will be a chance to make the case for his sweeping policy goals directly to millions of Americans ahead of the midterm elections.

One year ago, Trump proclaimed "America is back" as he laid out his plans for the economy, immigration, foreign diplomacy and more. He's since taken some unprecedented, often highly controversial, steps to achieve his agenda -- but at a political cost, with polls showing a growing number of Americans displeased or opposed.

Read more about tonight's speech, set to begin at 9 p.m. ET, here.

President Donald Trump speaks during the 'Angel Families Remembrance Ceremony' at the White House in Washington, February 23, 2026.
Win McNamee/Getty Images

-ABC News' Michelle Stoddart

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