How to Watch Trump’s Congressional Address

Trump to Deliver Prime-Time Address on Federal Overhaul and Foreign Policy

On Tuesday evening at 9 p.m., President Donald Trump will address a joint session of Congress in what marks the first televised prime-time speech of his second term. The president is anticipated to unveil an ambitious agenda aimed at reengineering aspects of the federal government as well as altering U.S. foreign policy.

During this crucial address, Trump is expected to discuss significant staff firings that have spanned nearly every segment of the federal government. This comes in light of recent tensions with Ukraine following a heated discussion with the country’s leader last week. The president has made efforts to strengthen ties with Russia while simultaneously advocating for a crucial minerals agreement with Ukraine, highlighting his complicated approach to international relations.

Another key point likely to be addressed is Trump’s administration’s ongoing measures to curb illegal border crossings, coinciding with a reported decrease in the number of migrants attempting to enter the United States through the southern border. Furthermore, Trump may outline his push for tax reforms and spending cuts, which analysts warn could potentially add hundreds of billions of dollars to the federal deficit.

Viewers interested in tuning into the address can find live coverage through The New York Times’ website, which will provide both streaming of the speech and live analysis from its reporters. Major television networks and cable channels are also set to broadcast the address, making it accessible to a wide audience.

Responses from Democrats and Progressives

In anticipation of Trump’s speech, Democratic leaders have chosen several representatives to deliver official responses. Senator Elissa Slotkin from Michigan will head the Democratic response. At 48 years old, Slotkin is a relatively new senator, having narrowly secured her seat in November in a state that Trump previously won. With a military background and experience in national security during the administrations of both Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, Slotkin represents a centrist shift for the party.

In addition, Representative Adriano Espaillat, a Democrat from New York, will present a Spanish-language response. Espaillat, the first Dominican American and the first undocumented immigrant to serve in Congress, has championed policies that support undocumented immigrants, famously endorsing a New York law allowing them to obtain driver’s licenses. His presence provides a counter-narrative to the Trump administration’s stringent immigration policy.

Progressive Democrats have also selected Representative Lateefah Simon from California, who is the first Congress member born blind, to deliver a response on behalf of the Working Families Party. Each of these responses will seek to provide alternative viewpoints to Trump’s proposed policies and direction.

Attendance and Special Guests

Traditionally, the president and first lady invite special guests to sit in the first lady’s box during these addresses. Melania Trump has extended invitations to Elliston Berry, a teenager who has been a victim of A.I.-generated pornography, along with her mother and stepfather. This choice underscores ongoing bipartisan efforts to legislate against the non-consensual publication of explicit images, a growing concern in the digital age.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has invited Tom Homan, designated as Trump’s "border czar," alongside Olivia Hayes. Hayes’ invitation is due to the tragic loss of her husband, who was killed in a collision involving an undocumented immigrant driving under the influence. Additionally, Republican Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa plans to invite Scott Root, whose daughter was killed in 2016 by an undocumented drunken driver, underscoring the personal tragedies that fuel the ongoing immigration debate.

In contrast, Democratic lawmakers have extended invitations to individuals adversely affected by Trump’s administration’s swift and often indiscriminate dismissals of federal employees. Senator Tina Smith from Minnesota will host Kate Severson, a National Park Service employee who was among the approximately 1,000 individuals terminated abruptly in mid-February. Representative Brad Schneider of Illinois will bring Army veteran Adam Mulvey, who was recently laid off from a health care facility for veterans he served for 20 years.

As the nation prepares for this notable address, the political divide remains stark, with each side mobilizing responses that reflect their priorities and the concerns of their constituents. With pressing issues on the table, including immigration, economic policy, and international relations, the outcomes of this night may set the tone for the months to come.