Donald Trump’s State of the Union address: What you need to know

US President Donald Trump has vowed to “tell it like it is” in his first joint congressional speech since his return to office. Here’s what to expect.

US President Donald Trump has vowed to “tell it like it is” in his first joint congressional speech since his return to office.

Mr Trump will outline his vision for the country during the speech at the US Capitol on Tuesday night.

In an all caps post to social media foreshadowing his address, Mr Trump wrote: “Tomorrow night will be big. I will tell it like it is.”

Workers put up security fencing at the US Capitol in Washington, DC on March 2, 2025, in advance of President Donald Trump's address to a joint session of Congress. Picture: AFP

What is it?

The annual speech to the joint session of congress is an opportunity for the president to outline his priorities for the nation.

While not officially labelled the State of the Union – the title reserved for the president’s annual speech to congress - it follows a similar format.

Mr Trump is likely to recap the swath of executive orders signed during his first weeks in office and outline his plans for the coming years.

House Speaker Mike Johnson touted what he said would be the president’s “triumphant return” to Congress, saying that listing the achievements since he took office “could fill three hours”.

“Normally, at this point in a new president’s term, they would not deliver a State of the Union. It would be just simply a joint address, as it’s entitled,” Mr Johnson told Fox News.

“But in this case, it actually will be more like a State of the Union address, because President Trump has such a long series of victories.”

What to expect?

The annual Presidential address is often a fiery affair.

During Mr Trump’s first term, Democratic politicians booed, heckled and walked out during some of his speeches.

In 2020, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tore Mr Trump’s speech to pieces as he finished his address.

Then US Vice President Mike Pence claps as Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi appears to rip a copy of US President Donald Trump’s speech in Washington, DC, February 4, 2020. Picture: AFP

But Mr Trump now has a significant advantage in Congress, where Republicans hold the majority in both chambers.

It’s understood the Democratic caucus has been asked to bring guests who “have suffered under the Trump administration’s policies”.

All eyes will also be on whether the President addresses the Ukraine Russia war after his fiery White House clash with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week.

Who will be there?

While the guest list is yet to be announced, it’s understood a Los Angeles fire captain involved in the recent California wildfires will be among the special guests invited by the president and first lady.

Supreme Court justices, Cabinet members and Senators will be in attendance.

Billionaire Elon Musk is also a likely attendee.

Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan has been chosen to deliver the official response on behalf of the Democrats.

When is it?

The address will be held on Tuesday night at 9pm in Washington DC – 12pm AEST or 1pm AEDT Wednesday in Australia.

Originally published as Donald Trump’s State of the Union address: What you need to know