President Donald Trump is set to deliver his first address to a joint session of Congress since returning to office — a pivotal moment that will set the tone for his second administration. While not officially considered a State of the Union address (as presidents do not give one in their first year after inauguration), the speech is expected to serve the same purpose — laying out the administration’s vision and policy priorities for the year ahead.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch the address, what to expect, and the key issues likely to take center stage.
When is President Trump’s address?
President Trump’s address will take place on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT from the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
The speech will be delivered before a joint session of Congress, with members of the House and Senate, Supreme Court justices, and other government officials in attendance.
Where can I watch it?
The address will be carried live across major networks and streaming platforms. Here’s how to tune in:
• Broadcast Networks: ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX will air the speech live on television and through their respective apps.
• Cable News: CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News will offer live coverage with analysis before and after the speech.
• Streaming Options: You can stream the address on the White House’s official website, YouTube, and C-SPAN.
• Social Media: The White House and major news outlets will stream the address on platforms like YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook.
• Associated Press (AP): AP News will offer a free livestream on their website and YouTube channel.
If you’re looking for commercial-free coverage, PBS NewsHour and C-SPAN will stream the address without interruption.
What to Expect from President Trump’s Speech
While the White House has not released the full text of the speech ahead of time, early reports suggest President Trump will use the address to outline his administration’s top priorities — many of which reflect the promises he made on the campaign trail.
Key themes likely to be addressed include:
Foreign Policy and Global Conflicts
With ongoing global tensions, foreign policy is expected to play a major role in the address. President Trump will likely discuss:
• His administration’s decision to pause military aid to Ukraine and the ongoing diplomatic negotiations with Russia.
• The U.S. role in the Middle East amid rising tensions between Israel and Hamas.
• The tariffs he imposed on Canada, Mexico, and China that went into affect last night.
Border Security and Immigration
A cornerstone of Trump’s campaign, immigration is likely to be one of the most prominent topics of the night. The president is expected to call for additional funding for the southern border wall and outline new executive actions aimed at curbing illegal immigration.
He’ll also tout his plans for mass deportations-which have been a mass project of this White House including considering, at one point, to send migrants to Guantanamo Bay.
Economy and Trade
With inflation still weighing on American families, Trump is likely to tout his administration’s plan for:
• Cutting federal regulations to spur business growth
• Implementing new regressive tariffs on imports
• His proposed tax cuts which would disproportionately help wealthy Americans
Domestic Policies
President Trump has already signaled his desire to drastically reshape the federal government. The speech is expected to outline plans to:
• Reduce the size of the federal workforce
• Dismantling the Department of Education
• His purge of the FBI and Department of Justice
The Democratic Response
As is tradition, the opposing party will deliver a formal response following the president’s address. This year, Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) will deliver the Democratic response — a rising star in the party known for her national security background and moderate stance.
Slotkin is expected to contrast Trump’s vision with the Democratic Party’s calls for preserving democracy, protecting abortion rights, and addressing climate change.
Some Democrats have suggested boycotting the address altogether, such as Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Chris Murphy (D-CT). Other Democrats will be brining fired federal workers as their guests to the address to highlight the mass firings done by President Trump and his top campaign donor Elon Musk.
Why This Address Matters
This speech marks the first major opportunity for President Trump to set the tone for his second term and lay out his vision for the country. It also comes at a critical time, as the nation remains deeply divided following the contentious 2024 election and ongoing legal battles surrounding the former president.
The address will likely be closely watched not only by lawmakers in Washington but by millions of Americans and allies abroad — all looking for signals of how the Trump administration will govern over the next four years.