Donald Trump loves a grand event, and few spectacles match the drama of a speech before a joint session of Congress. The House chamber is packed with lawmakers, and the president’s entrance—announced in a booming voice by the sergeant-at-arms—sets off a wave of deafening applause.
Though Tuesday’s speech isn’t technically a State of the Union address—that will come next year—it will feel indistinguishable to those watching at home. Almost every detail is carefully choreographed, but there are still key moments to watch for.
Typically, the most powerful figures in U.S. government sit behind the president during a speech like this—the House Speaker and the Vice President, who also serves as President of the Senate. However, their presence has been overshadowed by Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur who now oversees the Department of Government Efficiency and serves as one of Trump’s top advisers.
Musk’s influence in Washington is unprecedented. His operation has entrenched itself within federal agencies, led to thousands of firings, and rewired how the government functions. His presence at the speech—whether in the House chamber’s gallery or elsewhere—will be something to watch.
The speech comes just days after one of the most dramatic Oval Office showdowns in recent history. Trump welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to finalize a critical minerals agreement, but the deal collapsed after Trump and Vice President JD Vance confronted Zelenskyy over what they saw as a lack of respect.
The fallout has cast serious doubt on the future of U.S. support for Ukraine, which has been battling Russia’s invasion for three years. Trump delivered a blunt message to Zelenskyy:
“You either make a deal, or we are out.”
Now, major questions loom: Will Russia seize the moment to push forward on the battlefield? Will Zelenskyy attempt to repair ties with Trump? Will already-fragile U.S. relationships with European allies deteriorate further?
There are no clear answers—yet. But Tuesday’s speech will give Trump, a Republican, a high-profile platform to lay out his vision for the war and broader foreign policy agenda.
Presidential addresses to Congress have become increasingly contentious in recent years. In 2009, Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) made headlines when he shouted “You lie!” during President Barack Obama’s address. Since then, decorum has only declined.
With Trump at the podium, tensions in the chamber could run high. Will there be interruptions? Outbursts? Moments of unexpected drama?
One thing is certain: Tuesday’s speech won’t be dull.
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