Feb 25, 2026, 2:06 AM GMT
Melania Trump joins Trump family members in chamber
First lady Melania Trump was greeted with applause as she entered the chamber. She is seated with members of the Trump family, including Barron and Ivanka Trump.
State of the Union updates: Trump spars with Dems, touts economy and immigration
ByAlexandra Hutzler, Ivan Pereira, and Meredith Deliso
Last updated: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 5:16AM GMT
President Donald Trump declared during Tuesday's marathon State of the Union that "we're winning so much," saying he'd sparked a jobs and manufacturing boom at home while imposing a new world order abroad - hoping that offering a long list of his accomplishments can counter approval ratings that have been falling.
For the president, the high-profile speech was a chance to make the case directly to millions of Americans ahead of November's midterm elections where control of Congress is at stake.
Key Headlines
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Here's how the news is developing.
Feb 25, 2026, 3:37 AM
Fact check of President Trump's State of the Union address
Just over a year into his second term, President Donald Trump is delivering the State of the Union address, making his case for sweeping policy changes and executive actions that have come to define America's current moment.
ABC News is live fact-checking some of the president's statements that may be exaggerated, need more context or are false.
Go here for a look at the full fact check from ABC News.
Feb 25, 2026, 1:58 AM GMT
Trump expected to pledge 'peace wherever I can' as showdown with Iran looms
Trump is expected to tout himself as a peacemaker in his speech, according to excerpts released by the White House.
"As president, I will make peace wherever I can -- but I will never hesitate to confront threats to America wherever we must," Trump will say.
Iran looms large over Trump's address tonight. U.S. military assets have been surging to the Middle East for weeks, as Trump seeks to strike a nuclear deal with Tehran.
Feb 25, 2026, 2:00 AM GMT
Supreme Court justices enter the chamber to applause
Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Brett Kavanaugh, Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett entered the chamber with an applause from the attendees.
Feb 25, 2026, 1:57 AM GMT
Trump expected to demand 'full and immediate restoration' of DHS funds
Hours after the Senate failed to advance a procedural motion to fund the Department of Homeland Security, Trump is expected to demand the "full and immediate restoration of all funding for the Border Security and Homeland Security of the United States," according to an excerpt of his prepared speech.
"As we speak, Democrats in this chamber have cut off all funding for the Department of Homeland Security. They have closed the agency responsible for protecting Americans from terrorists and murderers," the excerpt of his remarks stated.
