Trump's Joint Address to Congress: Expectations and Reactions

Image credits: Win McNamee /Pool/AFP via Getty Images

President Trump is set to deliver a nationally broadcast speech to a joint session of Congress, marking his first address to Congress in his second term. The speech, scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, will outline the actions his administration has taken so far to shrink the size of the federal government, impose tariffs on foreign imports, and begin the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants. Trump will also lay out his governing agenda, which is expected to include his vision for the country's legislative future. The speech will be broadcast live on several networks and websites, including ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC.

Despite being similar to a State of the Union address, Tuesday's speech is not technically considered one, as it is not taking place at the beginning of the calendar year, and Trump was only sworn in again two months ago. The U.S. Constitution requires presidents to update Congress and recommend policies, although it does not specify precisely when that address should take place. Usually, presidents deliver those remarks in January or February, reflecting on events of the previous year and outlining their policy priorities for the coming one. The opposing party will offer a rebuttal speech on Tuesday, which will be delivered by Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, highlighting how Trump's policies are impacting ordinary Americans. Some high-ranking Democrats have announced they won't be attending Tuesday's speech, including Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut and Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii, who will deliver their own rebuttal via livestream.

The Democratic boycott of Trump's speech is developing, with some lawmakers planning to bring guests affected by the president's policies, such as federal job cuts and the funding freeze. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is privately pushing Democrats to fill their guest lists with people affected by these issues, in an effort to highlight the human impact of Trump's policies. The economic and national security implications of Trump's policies will likely be a major focus of the speech and the rebuttal. Meanwhile, Trump's administration has been working to implement its agenda, including the imposition of tariffs and the deportation of undocumented immigrants.

Here is a list of key stakeholders and their views on the speech: * House Speaker Mike Johnson: expects "fireworks" from the speech * Sen. Elissa Slotkin: will deliver the Democratic rebuttal, highlighting the impact of Trump's policies on ordinary Americans * Sen. Chris Murphy: will not attend the speech and will deliver his own rebuttal via livestream * Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer: is pushing Democrats to bring guests affected by Trump's policies to the speech * Rep. Don Beyer: will not attend the speech, citing the "notion of half my colleagues rising and standing and enormous clapping for … things that I think are terrible for the American people".

The speech will be closely watched by politicians, pundits, and the general public, as it will provide insight into Trump's vision for the country's future and the Democratic party's response to his policies. The aftermath of the speech will likely be marked by intense analysis and debate, with both parties seeking to spin the narrative in their favor. As the country continues to grapple with the implications of Trump's policies, the speech will be a significant moment in the ongoing political drama unfolding in Washington.