As Speaker Mike Johnson invited President Donald Trump to deliver the first State of the Union address of his second term on Feb. 24, Johnson framed the speech as part of the country’s planning for 2026 and the lead-up to a major election. The invitation, sent on Wednesday, notes that the nation is marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, tying the timing of the address to a milestone in U.S. history.
In the letter, Johnson said he and Trump “look forward to advancing the important work ahead of us in 2026, serving the American people, defending liberty, and preserving this grand experiment in self-governance.” He also highlighted the role of the Republican-led Congress in 2025, describing the work of the past year as setting up an agenda for the year ahead.
The Feb. 24 address will also give Trump another opportunity to present his message to voters as the political calendar turns toward a midterm election. That election will determine whether Republicans continue to control Congress or whether Democrats can win one or both chambers and, if so, gain more ability to confront Trump’s legislative agenda during the final two years of his term.
The planned speech comes after Trump had already addressed Congress once during his second term, delivering a speech to a joint session in March. Johnson’s invitation for a Feb. 24 State of the Union therefore sets up a second major platform for Trump to speak to lawmakers and the public before the midterm vote.