President Donald Trump is expected to deliver his first State of the Union address of his second term in February, according to congressional leaders. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., told reporters on Wednesday: “I think the date-and this is off the top of my head-is, like, February 24th that we’re looking at, okay? It’ll be soon.” He added, “We were looking at some alternative dates and trying to figure out what works, but I think that’s the week that we’re in session in mid-to-late February and that would be the preference of the White House. But just wait for further development.”
A Senate Republican source also confirmed that a February address from President Trump should be anticipated.
This upcoming speech will mark Trump’s first official State of the Union since returning to office last January. His previous address to Congress in March 2024 was classified as a joint address. During that speech, Trump urged lawmakers to make his 2017 tax cut permanent—a goal later achieved through a major budget reconciliation law passed in July.
The timing of this year’s State of the Union coincides with heightened political tension on Capitol Hill. The speech is scheduled within weeks of a critical funding deadline on January 30th, when appropriations for most federal agencies are set to expire under a stopgap measure. Lawmakers are currently working to finalize spending bills before this deadline to prevent another government shutdown similar to last fall’s 43-day partial closure—the longest such event in U.S. history.
In addition to addressing legislative priorities for congressional Republicans ahead of midterm elections and battles over control of both chambers, Trump has signaled an agenda focusing on crime, immigration, housing policy and health care—the latter being cited as a main factor behind last year’s shutdown.
On Wednesday via TruthSocial, Trump stated he will be “taking steps to ban large institutional investors from buying more single-family homes,” adding he plans to ask Congress for legislation supporting these changes.
International issues are also expected during Trump’s address following recent U.S. military actions overseas. Over the weekend, American forces bombed Caracas and captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro after months targeting alleged drug-smuggling operations in the Caribbean—actions taken without prior approval from Congress. These events have raised concerns about potential escalation elsewhere including Greenland.
The administration has shifted attention toward Venezuela’s oil sector; Venezuela holds the largest proven oil reserves globally. Trump said energy companies will help rebuild Venezuela’s oil industry—a move drawing criticism from Democratic leaders.
Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., responded: “Bragging about oil fields [is] not going to lower people’s rents. And even in this plan they have, the money would go back to Venezuela.”
Energy Secretary Chris Wright commented at an industry conference: “We’re gonna let the oil flow” and sell it on global markets but noted proceeds must be “done by the U.S. government and deposited into accounts controlled by the U.S. government.”
Schumer said Senate Democrats plan next week to present their own initiatives focused on child care, energy policy and home ownership.
