Trump’s address to Congress: how to to watch it live
The speech will focus on the president’s first six weeks in office, including the rapid policy shifts of his administration
President Donald Trump will speak before a joint session of Congress this Tuesday night, in what will be his first address to both chambers since returning to office six weeks ago. He is expected to address the work he and his team have done during his first weeks in office, and at the end a Representative of the Democratic Party will have the opportunity to respond to his remarks. The event is scheduled for 9.00 pm ET and will be broadcast live on major networks and streaming platforms. Here’s everything there is to know.
What is the purpose of the speech?
While it looks a lot like a State of the Union address, it’s not. It is an address to Congress in a joint session, which was first introduced by Ronald Reagan in 1981. This type of speech allows a newly elected or re-elected president to present his vision for the coming years without it being an official annual update. Trump’s speech is expected to set the tone for his second term and highlight the first actions of his administration.
What time and where to watch Trump’s speech?
Trump’s speech will kick off at 9:00 pm ET. Although its exact length is unknown, his previous speeches to Congress have ranged from one hour to 80 minutes. The speech will be followed by the official Democratic response by Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin. Trump’s speech will be available live across multiple platforms:
- Television: CBS, NBC, ABC, Fox News, CNN and MSNBC will offer live coverage.
- Streaming: The speech will be available on YouTube through some news media channels. EL PAÍS will have its own live stream.
- Radio: NPR and other major radio networks will offer live audio coverage.
What will Trump talk about?
The speech will focus on Trump’s first six weeks in office, including the rapid policy changes of his administration. One of the main points will be the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, which has overseen massive layoffs in the federal workforce as part of an effort to reduce government spending. Democrats have invited several laid-off workers as guests to highlight the impact of these policies.
Also expect Trump to address recent tariffs imposed on Canada, Mexico and China. These measures have caused turbulence in the stock markets and concerns about a trade war. Although Trump has portrayed these tariffs as essential to protect American jobs, businesses and economists have warned of the potential economic consequences. His speech will attempt to justify these actions as part of his broader economic vision.
Likewise, the impact of his immigration policy will be discussed. The Trump administration has launched a broad anti-immigration campaign, which has significantly reduced illegal border crossings. However, its deportation goals have faced logistical hurdles, with overcrowded detention centers and staffing problems at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Trump is likely to highlight his successes as he pushes for more congressional support to advance his agenda.
Foreign policy and Ukraine
A major point of contention has been Trump’s recent decision to pause all U.S. military aid to Ukraine. His administration’s deteriorating relationship with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, particularly after a recent meeting ended in a diplomatic fallout, will likely be addressed. Trump’s stance on Ukraine has drawn criticism from both Republicans and Democrats, particularly after he referred to Zelenskiy as a “dictator” while refusing to apply the same label to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Democratic response
Following Trump’s speech, Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin will deliver the official Democratic rejoinder. She is expected to focus on economic concerns, criticize Trump’s government downsizing and offer an alternative vision focused on unity and stability.