Trump will address Congress. Why isn’t this first speech called a State of the Union?
President Trump on Tuesday will deliver his first address to a joint session of Congress since his reelection. While the speech shares many characteristics with a State of the Union address, this presentation is slightly different in nature.
Trump’s speech to Congress is expected to outline his legislative priorities for the upcoming term and highlight the work his administration has accomplished since taking office.
But since this is his first address in his second nonconsecutive term, the speech is not classified as a State of the Union.
The Constitution requires that the president “shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union.”
The State of the Union usually happens in January and it has evolved into a significant broadcast television event.
For the past four decades, presidents have opted not to designate their first speech to Congress as a State of the Union, instead referring to it more generally as an address to Congress.
Trump’s upcoming speech comes as he and his administration implement sweeping changes to restructure the federal government.
He currently has favorable conditions in Congress where Republicans hold a majority in both chambers.
But given the ongoing challenges posed by inflation and the controversial layoffs of thousands of federal workers as part of Trump’s extreme workforce reduction measures, it will be crucial for him to reassure Americans in his speech that relief is on the horizon.
Alabama officials worry about life-saving Narcan program’s future as CDC grants stall
OD2A funds helped Alabama make naloxone more widely available last year. Health experts say it's responsible for a promising downturn in overdose deaths.
Chuck Mangione, whose jazz horn warmed up the pop charts, has died
With his beard, long hair and brown felt fedora, the jazz flugelhorn player and composer cut an unforgettable figure in American culture.
European countries are set for Iran talks, but expectations for a breakthrough are low
Germany, France and the United Kingdom will hold talks with Iran in Istanbul Friday, just days after the three European nations warned they would reimpose stiff sanctions on Tehran.
Trump administration approves sale of CBS parent company Paramount
The Federal Communications Commission approved the sale of Paramount Global after the buyer made pledges to showcase a diversity of viewpoints and root out alleged bias in CBS' news coverage.
Trump visits Federal Reserve and tussles with Jerome Powell in extraordinary moment
President Trump visited the Federal Reserve to inspect an ongoing renovation and disagreed with the Fed chair about the project's final cost in an extraordinary moment.
Trump signs an executive order making it easier to remove homeless people from streets
The White House directive calls for prioritizing money for programs that require sobriety and treatment, and for cities that enforce homeless camping bans.