‘A Long Speech’: Trump Prepares for State of the Union
NYT Homepage
by Tyler PagerFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
President Trump is preparing for his upcoming State of the Union address with a unique approach. Unlike traditional methods, he avoids practicing by reading aloud but instead spends time mimicking the setup of the House chamber, according to officials familiar with his plans. This unconventional preparation reflects his distinctive style for major speeches and events.
The speech comes at a pivotal moment in Trump’s presidency. His approval ratings are declining, Republicans face the possibility of losing control of Congress, and his signature tariff policy was recently overturned by the Supreme Court. Additionally, he is considering military action against Iran, adding to the political stakes surrounding the address.
Trump’s State of the Union team includes key aides like Ross Worthington, the White House director of speechwriting, who has been with Trump since before his 2017 inauguration and contributed to previous addresses. Other officials involved in the preparation include Susie Wiles, Stephen Miller, Karoline Leavitt, Steven Cheung, and Vince Haley.
In a light-hearted moment captured by Dan Scavino, Trump was seen standing behind a lectern resembling the one used for his State of the Union speech. During this photo op, he spoke with members of the U.S. men’s hockey team, who had just won an Olympic gold medal, and invited them to attend the address.
The upcoming speech is significant as it sets the tone for Trump’s agenda in 2026. Given the political challenges he faces, the State of the Union will likely focus on his accomplishments while addressing these pressing issues. The event also provides a platform for him to rally support and communicate his vision directly to the American people.
This speech matters because it not only reflects Trump’s priorities but also serves as a key moment in his presidency
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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/24/2026