In record State of the Union, Trump spars with Dems, touts economy and immigration

The speech was a chance for Trump to make his case ahead of the midterms.

ByAlexandra Hutzler, Ivan Pereira, and Meredith Deliso
Last Updated: February 24, 2026, 11:57 PM EST

President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union Tuesday night in Washington, as a majority of Americans disapprove of how he is handling inflation, tariffs, relations with other countries, immigration and the economy, according to an ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll.

For Trump, the speech was a chance to make the case directly to millions of Americans ahead of November's midterm elections where control of Congress is at stake. Dozens of Democrats, meanwhile, skipped the speech in protest.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news developed:
Feb 24, 2026, 8:34 PM EST

Nancy Pelosi to attend speech: Source

Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi will attend the State of the Union address, a source familiar with her plans told ABC News.

The source said Pelosi is attending to show solidarity and support for the Jeffrey Epstein survivors in the gallery.

Pelosi, who will be attending her final State of the Union as a Congress member, is wearing a "Stand with Survivors, Release the Files" pin that other Democrats are wearing as well, according to the source.

-ABC News' Lauren Peller

Feb 24, 2026, 8:29 PM EST

Democrats' counterprogramming begins

Sen. Chris Murphy and others are now speaking at "The People's State of the Union" event on the National Mall. The program is sponsored by the prominent progressive group MoveOn.

At the National Press Club, a "State of the Swamp" event by Defiance.org is underway that will feature a handful of celebrities appearing either by video or in person.

Frog-themed swag sits on audience chairs for the "State of the Swamp," a Democratic-led counter-programming ahead of President Donald Trump's State of the Union address at the National Press Club in Washington, February 24, 2026.
Leah Millis/Reuters
Feb 24, 2026, 8:20 PM EST

Notable guests: Artemis II crew, Rev. Jesse Jackson's family

As attendees begin to gather in the U.S. Capitol, here are some more notable guests.

House Speaker Mike Johnson is bringing Hanan Lischinsky, the brother of slain Israeli Embassy staffer Yaron Lischinsky, to attend the speech.

House Republicans have also invited NASA's Artemis II crew: Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen.

Members of Congress begin to arrive in the House Chamber before President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address at the US Capitol in Washington, February 24, 2026.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

House Democrats have invited several Jeffrey Epstein survivors, including Haley Robson, Annie Farmer and Marina Lacerda. Sky and Amanda Roberts, the brother and sister-in-law of the late Virginia Roberts Giuffre, will also be in the House chamber.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has also invited the family of late Rev. Jesse Jackson, who died last week.

ABC News' John Parkinson

Feb 24, 2026, 7:25 PM EST

No. 2 House Democrat on why she's skipping the SOTU

House Minority Whip Katherine Clark told ABC News she will not attend President Trump's State of the Union address tonight, making her the highest-ranking House Democrat to skip the event.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries listens to House Minority Whip Katherine Clark speaks at a news conference on the 8th day of a government shutdown at the U.S. Capitol, Oct. 8, 2025, in Washington.
John Mcdonnell/AP

"And let me tell you why," Clark told ABC News' Linsey Davis in an exclusive interview. "What we have seen from this president is a series of lies, of disrespect for the American people. He campaigned that he would lower costs on Day 1, he would keep people safe and secure. And he has done just the opposite."

"So, I'm going to spend my evening, while he is spewing his misinformation tonight, talking to my constituents about their state of the union and how this administration is impacting them," Clark said.

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