State of the Union live: Trump to address nation amid tariff, Iran tensions
Al Jazeera
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
US President Donald Trump is set to deliver his first State of the Union address of his second term, marking an important moment to showcase his achievements and rally support ahead of the November midterm elections. The speech, scheduled for 9pm ET (02:00 GMT) on Wednesday, will provide Trump with a prime platform to highlight his agenda, including progress on immigration, crime reduction, and economic growth. This comes amid heightened tensions over proposed tariffs on imported cars and ongoing diplomatic disputes with Iran, making the address a key moment to assess his administration's direction.
The State of the Union address is traditionally used by US presidents to outline their priorities and achievements, but this year’s speech takes place under unique circumstances. With midterm elections looming, Trump is expected to use the opportunity to bolster his political standing and energize his base. The timing also coincides with rising international tensions, including trade conflicts with China and Europe, as well as ongoing negotiations with Iran over nuclear agreements. These issues are likely to feature prominently in Trump’s remarks, as he aims to position himself as a leader driving economic prosperity while addressing global challenges.
Domestically, Trump is anticipated to emphasize his administration's successes in areas such as border security, immigration enforcement, and job creation. The administration has seen some measurable gains in these areas, which could be highlighted to reinforce its narrative of effective leadership. However, the speech will also take place against a backdrop of political polarization, with opposition parties critical of Trump’s policies and approach. This dynamic makes the State of the Union address not just a policy update but also a strategic move to shape public perception ahead of crucial midterm elections.
For readers interested in global affairs, this address matters because it could influence US trade policies, international relations
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/24/2026