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.
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.
President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026.
Feb 25, 2026, 1:56 AM GMT
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.
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 25, 2026, 1:46 AM GMT
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.
Vice President JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson of La. are seen in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026.
Feb 25, 2026, 1:42 AM GMT
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 head towards the U.S. Capitol before he delivers his State of the Union address in Washington, DC, on Feb. 24, 2026.
ByLauren Peller
Feb 25, 2026, 1:42 AM GMT
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.
