The question many Americans are asking right now is simple: what time is the state of the union address on Tuesday. The 2026 State of the Union address is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, and it will begin at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time (6:00 p.m. Pacific Time) when the president speaks before a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol.
This nationally televised speech is one of the most significant political events of the year, offering a direct message from the White House to lawmakers and the public about priorities, policies, and the direction of the country.
If you plan to watch live, keep reading for the exact timing, how the evening typically unfolds, and why this year’s address carries particular importance.
Stay with us for full coverage and key highlights you need before the speech begins.
When the State of the Union Address Starts
The 2026 State of the Union address takes place on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, and the speech is expected to begin at 9:00 p.m. ET / 8:00 p.m. CT / 7:00 p.m. MT / 6:00 p.m. PT.
Major broadcast and cable networks traditionally begin special coverage before the speech starts. Pre-speech analysis can begin hours earlier, but the president’s remarks usually begin at the top of the hour.
The address typically runs longer than one hour, though the length varies from year to year.
Where the Address Takes Place
The speech will be delivered inside the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. before members of Congress, Supreme Court justices, senior military leaders, and invited guests.
The House Speaker presides over the joint session, joined by the vice president in their role as president of the Senate. This formal setting reflects the constitutional requirement for the president to report on national conditions and legislative priorities.
How Americans Can Watch the Speech
The State of the Union remains one of the most widely broadcast political events in the United States.
Americans can watch live on:
- Major broadcast networks
- Cable news channels
- Public television
- Network websites and streaming platforms
- Official government livestreams
Coverage typically includes pre-speech analysis, the president’s remarks, and post-speech reactions.
Immediately after the address concludes, the opposition party delivers a televised response. A Spanish-language response also traditionally airs.
Why the State of the Union Matters
The State of the Union serves multiple purposes.
First, it fulfills a constitutional obligation for the president to inform Congress about national conditions. Second, it functions as a roadmap for policy priorities in the year ahead. Third, it shapes political messaging and public debate.
Presidents use the speech to highlight economic goals, legislative proposals, national security priorities, and major domestic initiatives.
Because the address reaches a national audience simultaneously, it often becomes a defining political moment of the year.
Key Traditions Viewers Will See
The State of the Union follows long-standing traditions that make the evening recognizable.
Formal entrance: The president enters the chamber after being announced by the sergeant at arms.
Applause and interruptions: Lawmakers often react visibly, reflecting political divisions.
Invited guests: The First Lady typically hosts guests whose stories connect to policy themes.
Designated survivor: One Cabinet member stays at a secure location for continuity of government.
Opposition response: The minority party delivers a rebuttal shortly after the speech.
These rituals have developed over decades and remain central to the event.
Historical Context of the State of the Union
The State of the Union dates back to 1790 when President George Washington delivered the first annual message to Congress.
Over time, the format evolved.
- Written messages replaced speeches for more than a century
- In-person delivery returned in 1913
- Television coverage began in 1947
- Prime-time scheduling became standard in 1965
Today, the address is a major national broadcast event that blends policy announcements with political messaging.
What This Year’s Speech Represents
The 2026 State of the Union marks the president’s first official State of the Union of the current term after a prior joint session speech in 2025.
That distinction matters because a State of the Union address traditionally signals the administration’s governing agenda for the year ahead rather than an introductory message to Congress.
The speech arrives during a politically divided environment, which historically increases attention, reactions, and debate.
How Long the Address Usually Lasts
Modern State of the Union speeches often run between 60 and 80 minutes, though some exceed that range.
Speech length depends on:
- Policy detail
- Political messaging
- Number of highlighted guests
- Chamber interruptions such as applause
Television coverage, including analysis and responses, usually extends the event to roughly two hours.
What Happens After the Speech
After the president finishes speaking, the evening continues.
Viewers will see:
- The official opposition response
- A Spanish-language response
- Network analysis and fact discussion
- Political reactions from lawmakers
These follow-up segments are considered part of the broader State of the Union night.
Public Interest and Audience Trends
Millions of Americans watch the State of the Union each year across television and streaming platforms.
Audience size can vary based on:
- Political climate
- Major policy announcements
- Economic conditions
- Election cycles
Even viewers who do not watch live often see highlights, clips, and key moments across digital platforms within minutes.
Why Timing Matters for Viewers
Understanding the exact timing helps viewers plan how to watch.
Because the speech begins at 9 p.m. ET, West Coast audiences see it at 6 p.m. local time, making it more accessible for live viewing.
Many households tune in shortly before the speech begins to watch the president’s entrance and opening remarks.
What Time Is the State of the Union Address on Tuesday — Quick Answer
For anyone searching again: what time is the state of the union address on Tuesday — the 2026 speech starts at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time on February 24.
That timing aligns with the long-standing prime-time tradition used by modern administrations.
What Viewers Typically Look For
Americans watching the State of the Union often focus on several elements:
- Major policy proposals
- Economic messaging
- Bipartisan moments
- Personal stories highlighted in the gallery
- Tone and political strategy
Memorable moments frequently shape political coverage in the days that follow.
The Role of the State of the Union in American Politics
Despite changing media habits, the State of the Union remains one of the few political events that reaches a large national audience simultaneously.
It serves as:
- A governing roadmap
- A messaging platform
- A legislative signal to Congress
- A political narrative moment
Because of this, reactions from both parties carry weight beyond the speech itself.
The State of the Union address continues to be a defining civic moment, bringing lawmakers and the public together for a shared national event.
Whether you watch live or catch highlights later, knowing the exact timing ensures you don’t miss one of the year’s most important political speeches.
Make sure you’re ready before the broadcast begins so you can follow the speech in real time and understand the policy direction shaping the year ahead.
Watch the address live and share your thoughts after the speech as reactions unfold across the country.
What are you expecting from this year’s speech — and will you be watching live? Share your thoughts and check back for updates after the address.