WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tuesday night, President Donald Trump will deliver the annual State of the Union address.
Political scientists expect the President to make the speech a victory lap of sorts by touting his perceived achievements with foreign policy, the economy and immigration. The Constitution directs the President to update Congress of the state of the union and make recommendations for Congress to pursue.
Trump’s appearance on Capitol Hill comes at a chaotic time for the administration. The government is partially shutdown with Democrats and the White House unable to reach an agreement on reforms for the Department of Homeland Security. The Supreme Court recently issued a ruling striking down the President’s global tariffs.
It’s also an election year and experts said this address will be important for the President and Republicans who control Congress.
“This President is going to do what he thinks he can to keep his party in power, particularly in the House where that’s really a vulnerable spot for Republicans,” said Dr. Todd Belt, professor and program director for political management at George Washington University. “And he’s going to tell people the economy is better. He is going to say he has shut down the border and he’s going to say all the things he’s been doing around the world, things he’s been criticized for by his own party for, are actually making things better for people and of course he’s going to defend those tariffs.”
Some Democrats plan on holding a counter rally to the State of the Union. Our DC team will bring you live coverage following the speech tomorrow night.
