Everything You Need to Know About Trump’s First (not) State of the Union Address to Congress
Trump is delivering his first (not) State of the Union Address to Congress. A president’s first joint address to Congress hasn’t been called that since John F. Kennedy. That was in 1961 and came only eight years after Dwight Eisenhower did the same thing. Because with just a month or two months in, a president doesn’t know the true state of the union
The State of the Union is traditionally delivered in January or early February, soon after the new session of Congress convenes on January 3. The presidential address to Congress is stipulated in Article II of the Constitution, which states the president “shall from time to time give to the Congress information of the state of the Union.”
Here’s what you need to know:
What day is Trump addressing the Joint Session of Congress?
Trump was invited by House Speaker Paul Ryan to address Congress on Tuesday, February 28, 2017.
What time is Trump addressing the Joint Session of Congress?
Trump is speaking at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT.
What is the response to the State of the Union?
The response to the State of the Union address is a rebuttal speech, often brief, delivered by a representative (or representatives) of the opposition party following a presidential State of the Union address. When the president is a Democrat, the rebuttal is given by a Republican, and vice versa.
Which Democrat is providing the response to Trump’s address this year?
This year, Former Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear will respond for the Democrats.
How long is the address?
In recent years, the State of the Union has ranged from 35 minutes (Richard Nixon) to 1 hour and 28 minutes (Bill Clinton). There is not set time, but knowing Trump, he’ll probably go off script and take up a lot of time.
How can I watch the address?
All the major news outlets will be showing the address, and you can live stream it on CNN.
Make sure to check back for any updates before Tuesday.
