In record State of the Union, Trump spars with Dems, touts economy and immigration

The speech was a chance for Trump to make his case ahead of the midterms.

ByAlexandra Hutzler, Ivan Pereira, and Meredith Deliso
Last Updated: February 24, 2026, 11:57 PM EST

President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union Tuesday night in Washington, as a majority of Americans disapprove of how he is handling inflation, tariffs, relations with other countries, immigration and the economy, according to an ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll.

For Trump, the 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. Dozens of Democrats, meanwhile, skipped the speech in protest.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news developed:
Feb 24, 2026, 8:51 PM EST

Trump expected to tout prescription drug, home buying policies

The president is expected to tout two economic policies he enacted during his first term, according to excerpts of the speech released by the White House.

President Donald Trump speaks during the 'Angel Families Remembrance Ceremony' at the White House in Washington, February 23, 2026.
Win McNamee/Getty Images

Trump will talk about "ending the wildly inflated cost of prescription drugs," and will ask Congress to codify his executive order that banned investment firms from buying up single family homes.

"Now I am asking Congress to make that ban permanent, because homes are for people, not corporations," the excerpts read.

Feb 24, 2026, 8:42 PM EST

Vice President Vance, congressional leaders gather in House chamber

Vice President JD Vance, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other congressional leaders have made their way into the House chamber.

House Speaker Mike Johnson was already at the dais and greeted Vance as he arrived.

Feb 24, 2026, 8:38 PM EST

Trump leaves White House en route to Capitol

President Trump left the White House just after 8:30 to make his way to the Capitol, departing hand in hand with first lady Melania Trump. Trump raised his fist as he headed toward his motorcade, and a wave as it pulled away.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump depart from the South Lawn of the White House to head towards the US Capitol before he delivers his State of the Union address in Washington, February 24, 2026.
Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images
Feb 24, 2026, 8:34 PM EST

Nancy Pelosi to attend speech: Source

Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi will attend the State of the Union address, a source familiar with her plans told ABC News.

The source said Pelosi is attending to show solidarity and support for the Jeffrey Epstein survivors in the gallery.

Pelosi, who will be attending her final State of the Union as a Congress member, is wearing a "Stand with Survivors, Release the Files" pin that other Democrats are wearing as well, according to the source.

-ABC News' Lauren Peller

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