President Donald Trump will deliver his first State of the Union address of his second term on Tuesday, focusing on immigration, the economy, and foreign policy achievements as his administration approaches the 2026 midterm elections.

The Republican president is expected to champion his immigration crackdowns, federal government reforms, and military actions while making the case that his policies have strengthened the U.S. economy. Trump plans to highlight domestic manufacturing growth and job creation, despite mixed economic indicators during his second term.

Economic data presents a complex picture. The U.S. economy grew 2.2% in 2025, down from 2.8% in 2024 under President Biden. While inflation has fallen to near five-year lows, employers added only 181,000 jobs in 2025, the fewest outside a recession since 2002. The stock market gained 17% last year, though it underperformed several foreign markets including South Korea's 71% surge.

Trump is also expected to address the Supreme Court's recent ruling against his tariff policies and defend immigration operations that have drawn bipartisan criticism following incidents involving American citizens. The president will likely highlight foreign policy developments, including U.S. military actions in Iran and Venezuela, and the brokering of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

The address comes as Democrats hope to make gains in the November midterm elections. Several Democratic lawmakers plan to skip the speech, instead attending a "People's State of the Union" rally on the National Mall in protest.

Former presidential speechwriters note that Trump faces the challenge of convincing Americans that economic conditions have improved while many voters continue to express concerns about affordability and cost of living issues.