How The New York Times Covers the SOTU Under Intense Deadline Pressure

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by Mike Abrams and Megan DiTrolio

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The State of the Union (SOTU) address presents a unique challenge for journalists due to its unpredictable nature. Unlike other speeches, SOTU often includes unscripted moments where presidents diverge from prepared remarks, adding layers of complexity to coverage. The New York Times deploys over 50 journalists, including reporters and photographers inside the House chamber, to ensure comprehensive and accurate reporting under intense deadlines. Elizabeth Kennedy, who leads the White House team for The Times, brings extensive experience to this task. Previously a deputy bureau chief at the Associated Press in Washington and a foreign correspondent covering regions like Africa and Asia, she has honed her skills in high-pressure situations. Her leadership is crucial in managing the large team and ensuring seamless coordination during live events. Despite receiving advance copies of the speech, reliance on scripts is limited given past instances where presidents, such as Trump, have departed from them significantly. This unpredictability requires journalists to remain adaptable, ready to capture spontaneous moments that shape public perception. The Times' approach

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/24/2026