President Donald Trump will deliver his first State of the Union address of his second term tonight at 9 p.m. ET before a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol. The speech, themed around "America at 250: Strong, Prosperous and Respected," marks a key moment ahead of the November midterm elections.

Trump has promised a lengthy address, telling reporters yesterday, "It’s going to be a long speech because we have so much to talk about." White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described it as a "celebration" of America's 250th anniversary of independence, emphasizing achievements in his first year back in office. She added that Trump will lay out an agenda to restore the American dream lost under the Democrats.

The president is expected to highlight economic progress, proclaiming a booming economy with the Dow Jones surpassing 50,000 points, rising domestic manufacturing, new jobs, and tamed inflation. Policies like tax cuts on tips and overtime, efforts to lower housing costs, and requiring tech firms to cover AI data center electricity will feature prominently. White House previews tout cuts to waste, fraud, and abuse, alongside a secure border.

Foreign policy successes will include U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, a raid ousting Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, and brokering a Gaza ceasefire. Trump plans to push for increased military funding and preserving tariffs, even after a Supreme Court setback, with 10% global tariffs taking effect today. He will also urge Democrats to end a partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown over ICE reforms and advocate for tighter voter ID rules.

The address comes amid challenges, including 59% disapproval of Trump's economic handling per an AP-NORC poll and sagging immigration ratings. Republicans aim to use the speech for a midterm boost, countering Democratic gains driven by affordability concerns reminiscent of 2018.

House Republicans have invited high-profile guests, including the family of imprisoned Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai, NASA astronauts preparing for a lunar mission, relatives of Israeli embassy staff victims, and the U.S. men's Olympic hockey champions. First Lady Melania Trump selected foster care advocates and a Texas AI prodigy. Democrats plan a counter rally with Jeffrey Epstein survivors and plan boycotts, with over 30 lawmakers attending a "People’s State of the Union" rally on the National Mall.

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger will deliver the Democratic response, focusing on affordability, joined by Spanish-language remarks from Sen. Alex Padilla and a progressive rebuttal from Rep. Summer Lee. Coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET on C-SPAN, with major networks airing live.