President Trump to Address Joint Session of Congress: A First-Term Tradition Returns
Former President Donald Trump is set to address a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, March 4, at 9 p.m. Eastern Time, marking a significant return to the political stage and an opportunity to outline his legislative agenda for the coming years. While not officially designated as a State of the Union address, this forum is expected to adhere to many of the traditions and customs associated with that annual event, offering a broad overview of the president’s priorities and vision for the nation.
House Speaker Mike Johnson extended the invitation to Trump earlier this month, expressing optimism about the potential for collaboration between the executive and legislative branches. In a letter obtained by Fox News Digital, Johnson lauded Trump’s "strong leadership and bold action in the first days of your presidency," crediting him with fostering "a resurgence of patriotism, unity, and hope for the future." The Speaker emphasized the opportunity for the administration and the 119th Congress to work together to achieve significant progress, framing the next four years as potentially "some of the most consequential in our nation’s history."
Johnson’s invitation explicitly requested Trump to share his "America First vision for our legislative future," suggesting a focus on policies aimed at prioritizing American interests in areas such as trade, immigration, and national security. The speech will be closely scrutinized for clues about the administration’s legislative priorities, potential areas of compromise with Congress, and any shifts in policy direction.
The address will take place in the Chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives, drawing together members of both the House and Senate, as well as other dignitaries and guests. This gathering of all three branches of government underscores the importance of the occasion and provides a platform for the president to communicate directly with lawmakers and the American people.
Fox News Channel, Fox News Digital, and Fox News Go will provide extensive live coverage of the event, ensuring that audiences across various platforms can follow the address and related analysis. The network will also preview the speech throughout its daytime and primetime programming, offering insights from a range of commentators and analysts.
Will Cain will lead the pre-speech coverage at 4 p.m. ET on "The Will Cain Show," followed by a panel discussion featuring Dana Perino, Greg Gutfeld, Judge Jeanine Pirro, and the hosts of "The Five." Chief political anchor Bret Baier will continue the coverage at 6 p.m. ET on "Special Report," followed by Laura Ingraham on "The Ingraham Angle" at 7 p.m. ET. Jesse Watters will offer a final preview just before the address at 8 p.m. ET on "Jesse Watters Primetime." This comprehensive coverage reflects the high level of interest in the address and its potential implications for the political landscape.
While officially an address to a joint session, the event is expected to mirror many aspects of the traditional State of the Union address. These speeches, rooted in Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution, require the president to provide Congress with information about the state of the Union and offer legislative recommendations.
Historically, these addresses have evolved significantly over time. In the early years of the republic, presidents typically submitted written reports to Congress. However, Woodrow Wilson broke with tradition by delivering the address in person, a practice that has largely continued since. Harry S. Truman standardized the title "State of the Union" in the 1940s and delivered the first televised address, marking a shift toward greater accessibility and public engagement. Lyndon B. Johnson further modernized the tradition by delivering the address in primetime, maximizing its reach to American households.
One notable custom associated with such addresses is the designation of a "designated survivor." This individual, a member of the president’s cabinet, remains at a secure location during the address in case of a catastrophe that could incapacitate the assembled leadership. The U.S. Senate maintains records of designated survivors dating back to 1984. Previous designees include figures such as Andrew Cuomo, Bill Daley, and Eric Holder. Most recently, Miguel Cardona, former President Joe Biden’s education chief, served as the designated survivor in 2024. The presence of a designated survivor serves as a symbolic reminder of the continuity of government and the importance of preparedness in the face of potential threats.
Trump’s address to the joint session of Congress represents a pivotal moment in his presidency, offering an opportunity to shape the legislative agenda and communicate directly with the American people. The speech is expected to be closely watched and analyzed for its policy proposals, political messaging, and potential impact on the political landscape.
