The president’s speech to elected representatives of Congress is an anticipated annual event in American politics. But what do you need to know about this constitutional obligation and its impact?
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What is the purpose of the State of the Union Address?
The president’s speech to Congress is provided for by the American Constitution. It serves to inform the elected representatives of the House of Representatives and the Senate of the policies in place and the upcoming program. Economy, security, immigration, foreign policy, progress on issues dear to the party in the White House: certain themes are unavoidable, from one year to the next. Donald Trump is used to delivering speeches that are more partisan than unifying, and listing his successes risks provoking opposing reactions on Capitol Hill. He will speak from 9 p.m. Tuesday. Two loyal allies will be positioned behind him: his vice-president JD Vance, at the head of the Senate, and the President of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson.
Does speech influence policy?
The president informs elected officials and the public of major directions, but it remains a speech: he is not legally bound to his promises. Trump could, however, make announcements. Last year, for example, he indicated the implementation of new customs duties from April 2. The tenant of the White House will send his messages to the American people and the rest of the world, but also to the elected officials present. Democrats announced their intention to boycott the presentation. Last year, some demonstrated their opposition with signs and symbols. A representative from Texas was escorted out after interrupting the speech on more than one occasion.
How important are special guests?
Special guests give a human face to sometimes abstract political issues. They are a clear indication of the position of those who invite them. Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, killed in September, was invited by the White House, while the president intends to ask Congress to “firmly reject political violence”, announced on X the spokesperson for the president, Karoline Leavitt. Democrats invited Epstein victims and their relatives, in a signal to the administration on the handling of this case. Members of the men’s Olympic hockey team are also expected to be present, at the invitation of the president after their victory on Sunday. The women’s team declined invitations from the White House, citing other obligations.
What did we learn from Trump’s speech last year?
Since the president had only been in office for a few weeks, his address last March to Congress was not, technically, a “State of the Union Address.” His first six weeks had been eventful, with the signing of more than 80 presidential decrees, a major clean-up of the public service then underway, customs duties imposed on trading partners like Canada… “America is back,” the president announced in his speech. He praised the work of multi-billionaire Elon Musk, present in the audience, for his role at the head of the Department of Government Effectiveness (DOGE). His speech became the longest in American history for this type of speech: he spoke for 1 hour and 40 minutes. Bill Clinton previously held this record, addressing Congress for 1 hour and 28 minutes.
With the BBC
