What to expect as President Trump delivers the State of the Union address

Tonight, President Trump is scheduled to deliver his first State of the Union address since returning to the White House last year.

As the administration faces challenges on several fronts, including Iranian relations and tariffs, the speech is expected to outline the president’s agenda ahead of the midterm elections.

The address is set to begin around 9 p.m., though the exact length is unknown. Trump’s previous State of the Union lasted more than 90 minutes, making it the longest such address in the past 60 years.

While the Constitution requires the president to deliver a State of the Union “from time to time,” this year’s address comes at a pivotal moment for Republicans as they look to maintain control of both chambers of Congress in November. According to NPR, the party that holds the White House has typically lost about 27 House seats and four Senate seats in midterms since World War II. A recent NPR/PBS News/Marist poll found that six in 10 Americans believe the country is in a worse position than it was a year ago.

Watch live at 9 p.m. 

Immigration and enforcement under scrutiny

Immigration is expected to be a central focus. The Department of Homeland Security remains in a partial shutdown as Congress continues to debate funding, though enforcement operations have continued.

The Trump administration has said it aims to remove undocumented immigrants who have committed acts of violence. Lawmakers from both parties have raised concerns about ICE tactics, particularly after agent involved shootings that killed Alex Pretti and Renee Good last month.

At least six additional detainees have died in ICE custody since the start of the year, according to The Guardian.

Tariffs, trade and the courts

Tariffs are also likely to feature prominently. The address comes after the Supreme Court reversed tariffs signed through executive orders. Following that decision, Trump announced plans to impose a 10 percent ad valorem tariff on most nations by invoking Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, with exceptions for certain minerals, fertilizers and agricultural products.

According to NPR, a majority of Americans believe the tariffs could hurt the economy more than strengthen manufacturing. Trump has dismissed affordability concerns, calling them a “hoax” promoted by Democrats.

Foreign policy and rising tensions

Foreign policy is another expected topic, particularly U.S. relations with Iran. Trump has continued to pressure Iran to dismantle its nuclear weapons program and has not ruled out the potential use of force.

Human Rights Activists News Agency reports more than 6,800 protesters have been killed since December, while the United Nations has suggested the total could exceed 20,000, according to Al Jazeera.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said last week that global powers are attempting to pressure the country but vowed Iran would not “bow our heads,” according to Reuters.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. Dan Caine has warned that military strikes against Iran could draw the United States into a prolonged conflict, according to the BBC.

Democratic response

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger is expected to deliver the Democratic rebuttal, outlining her party’s priorities ahead of the midterms. Sen. Alex Padilla will also give a Spanish-language response.

Several Democratic lawmakers have said they plan to skip the address and instead attend a counter rally known as the “People’s State of the Union.” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has encouraged Democrats to remain silent during the speech as a form of protest.