The Agenda: What to Expect
On Tuesday night, President Donald Trump will address a joint session of Congress for his 2026 State of the Union. Entering the second year of his second term, the President faces a complex landscape: a “changed nation” with a GOP-led Congress that has largely accommodated his “America First” agenda, but a judiciary that has begun to push back on his executive overreach.
Based on recent executive actions and reporting from major outlets, here are the primary items expected to dominate the speech:
1. The Battle Over Tariffs and the Economy
The centerpiece of the address is expected to be the economy—specifically the fallout from a landmark Supreme Court ruling. On February 20, 2026, the Court struck down the President’s sweeping global tariffs. However, Trump has already signaled he will not back down, recently signing a “Temporary Import Surcharge” to bypass legal hurdles. Expect him to frame this as a necessary fight to protect American jobs and address “imbalances” in global trade.
2. Immigration and Mass Deportations
Immigration remains a cornerstone of the Trump administration. The President is likely to highlight the expansion of ICE and the progress of his mass deportation initiatives. While the administration views these as successes in “restoring order,” the speech may also address the public outcry following reports of violent clashes and the tragic deaths of two U.S. citizens during immigration protests.
3. Foreign Policy: “Trump Corollary” and New Threats
Expect the President to articulate a “Trump Corollary” to the Monroe Doctrine, emphasizing U.S. preeminence in the Western Hemisphere.
- Iran: Recent threats regarding Iran’s nuclear program are expected to cast a shadow over the speech.
- Russia/Ukraine: He will likely touch on his “America First” arms transfer strategy and his frequent dialogues with Vladimir Putin.
- China: The address will likely mention the ongoing AI race and the recent decision to allow Nvidia to sell high-end chips to China, a move the administration frames as a strategic maneuver.
4. Energy and National Defense
Trump is expected to tout his support for the “Beautiful Clean Coal” fleet and recent executive orders aimed at securing the supply chain for essential chemicals like phosphorus and glyphosate, linking agricultural productivity directly to national security.
Sources and References
- AP News: How Trump will use his State of the Union address to sell skeptical midterm voters on his plans
- PBS NewsHour: Trump’s big speech will be delivered to a changed nation and a Congress he has sidelined
- CFR (Council on Foreign Relations): Trump’s 2026 State of the Union: Foreign Policy Issue Guide
- Pew Research Center: State of the Union 2026: Where Americans stand on key issues
- The White House (Official): Executive Orders and Fact Sheets February 2026
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