President Trump is set to deliver his State of the Union address on Tuesday night, seeking to highlight accomplishments and outline policy priorities despite facing declining approval ratings and recent political setbacks. The State of the Union speech comes at a challenging moment for the administration, with more than half of Americans expressing dissatisfaction with the direction of his presidency, according to recent polling data. The address will begin at 9 p.m. Eastern Time before a joint session of Congress.
The speech arrives just days after the Supreme Court struck down key elements of Trump’s tariff policy and weeks following a controversial federal operation in Minneapolis that resulted in the deaths of two U.S. citizens. According to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the president plans to celebrate what she described as “record-setting accomplishments” while presenting new policy proposals focused on affordability for working-class Americans.
Economic Focus Amid State of the Union Challenges
White House officials indicate that economic issues will dominate Tuesday’s State of the Union address, with particular attention to cost-of-living concerns. One planned announcement involves “ratepayer protection pledges” requiring technology companies constructing data centers to bear additional electricity costs, preventing price increases for surrounding communities. This proposal reflects the administration’s attempt to address affordability despite widespread criticism of policies that have raised consumer prices.
However, the president faces significant headwinds on economic messaging. The latest NPR/PBS News/Marist poll shows 55 percent of Americans believe Trump is changing the country “for the worse,” a notable increase from 42 percent at the same point in his first term. Additionally, multiple surveys reveal negative approval ratings on both immigration and economic issues, topics that previously helped propel his political success.
Tariff Policy Controversy Continues
The administration remains committed to tariffs despite the Supreme Court ruling and public disapproval. A recent Pew Research Center poll indicates that a majority of Americans oppose the tariff increases, which have raised costs for businesses and consumers nationwide. Nevertheless, Trump has vowed to impose new tariffs following last week’s legal setback.
Meanwhile, the White House continues attributing current economic challenges to former President Joe Biden. Leavitt stated that new policies will address “the affordability crisis that Joe Biden created,” though this messaging strategy raises questions about accountability more than one year into Trump’s second term.
Guest List Highlights Administration Priorities
The president has invited guests intended to emphasize his policy achievements, including beneficiaries of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This legislation allows workers to deduct tips and overtime from their taxable income. The U.S. Men’s Olympic Hockey Team, fresh from their gold medal victory at the Winter Olympics, will also attend the State of the Union address.
In contrast, some Democratic lawmakers plan to boycott the speech in protest. Others are bringing survivors of abuse connected to Jeffrey Epstein, drawing attention to an NPR investigation that found the administration removed documents from released materials concerning allegations Trump sexually abused a minor.
Partisan Divide Deepens Over Presidential Performance
Polling data reveals a sharply divided electorate along party lines. Republicans overwhelmingly approve of the president’s performance, while Democrats show equally strong disapproval. Critically, multiple surveys indicate that a majority of independent voters disapprove of Trump’s job performance, potentially complicating his political standing heading into future elections.
The president acknowledged Tuesday’s address will be extensive. At a Monday White House event honoring families affected by crimes committed by individuals in the country without legal status, he promised “a long speech because we have so much to talk about.”
Political observers and lawmakers await the State of the Union to see whether Trump can effectively address mounting public skepticism. The administration has not specified when additional policy details will be released following Tuesday night’s announcements.
