Trump set to deliver second term’s first State of the Union: What to expect
Al Jazeera
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
President Donald Trump is set to deliver his second-term first State of the Union address, focusing on themes of economic strength and unity. The speech, traditionally a moment to outline key achievements and future priorities, comes amid a political landscape where Trump’s polarizing policies and leadership have sparked significant debate. With midterm elections approaching, the address will likely emphasize economic progress, despite mixed indicators such as slower GDP growth and high inflation. Trump has repeatedly highlighted economic improvements, though many voters report not experiencing these gains firsthand. His administration's handling of economic data has also been called into question, further complicating his narrative.
The article highlights how Trump’s focus on the economy aligns with voter concerns about affordability and living costs, which were pivotal in his 2024 election victory. However, public opinion polls show limited trust in his claims, with only 39% of voters surveyed by Quinnipiac University expressing confidence in his economic policies. This disconnect between Trump’s rhetoric and everyday realities for Americans underscores the challenges he faces in maintaining political momentum.
The stakes are high for the Republican Party as it prepares for the November midterm elections. The party’s success will determine the constraints on Trump’s agenda in the coming years, particularly on issues like trade, immigration, and foreign policy. With loyalists cheerleading his policies and key investigations from the January 6 riot largely resolved, Trump is positioned to push a bold legislative agenda. However, his polarizing approach risks alienating voters and could set the stage for significant political shifts in the midterm elections.
The State of the Union address will take place at 9pm local time on February 28th in the House chamber, with Vice President JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson by Trump’s side. The speech is expected to reaffirm his vision for the country, emphasizing achievements while downplaying challenges. Given the high stakes and ongoing political tensions, this address will be closely watched as a barometer of Trump’s remaining influence and the broader direction of the Republican Party.
For readers interested in global politics, this speech offers insights into how Trump plans to navigate the second half of his presidency and what it means for the future of U.S. governance. The interplay between economic realities, political strategy, and public perception will be key themes, with implications not just for U.S. domestic policy but also for international relations and global markets.
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/24/2026