Five Big Political Questions About Trump’s State of the Union Speech

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by Katie Glueck

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

President Trump’s upcoming State of the Union address is expected to be a pivotal moment as the 2018 midterm elections approach. While many voters already have firm opinions about Trump, the speech could still play a significant role in shaping the political landscape. Key questions revolve around how much Trump will focus on major issues like tariffs, the cost of living, and immigration—topics that have sparked widespread debate and could impact Republican candidates’ strategies to align or distance themselves from his policies. One critical issue is Trump’s stance on tariffs. Despite being one of his least popular policies, Trump has shown little hesitation in defending or even expanding tariff measures. This has created a dilemma for many Republican candidates, who may feel pressured to either support Trump’s approach or find ways to differentiate themselves from it. Democrats, meanwhile, are likely to use any mention of tariffs as an opportunity to criticize Trump’s impact on rising costs and economic instability. The speech also raises questions about how well Trump’s message aligns with voters’ concerns heading into the midterms. With many Americans focused on issues like healthcare, economic stability, and immigration, Trump’s focus—or lack thereof—on these topics could influence both public perception and how Republican candidates choose to respond. Additionally, the political fallout from his tariff decisions and interactions with the Supreme Court adds another layer of intrigue, as Trump’s body language during the speech will likely be closely watched. Ultimately, while Trump’s speech may not sway long-standing opinions about him, it could set the stage for important debates among Republican candidates and highlight key issues that voters care about. This makes the State of the Union address a crucial event to watch for anyone following the 2018 midterm elections.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/23/2026