So here's the scene: President Donald Trump (DJT) is heading into his State of the Union speech on Tuesday night, and everyone's watching. But it's not just the usual political theater this time. Markets are tuning in, trying to figure out how he'll reframe his economic agenda after the Supreme Court just handed him a pretty significant setback on tariffs.
Last week, in a 6–3 ruling, the Court curtailed the President's ability to impose sweeping tariffs using emergency powers. That's a blow to a cornerstone of his trade strategy. So the speech comes at a politically sensitive moment, with midterm elections on the horizon and a deadlock with congressional Democrats over funding the Department of Homeland Security. It's a lot to pack into one evening.
And people aren't just watching—they're betting on it. On the prediction market Polymarket, traders are assigning high odds that Trump will lean heavily into patriotic language, repeatedly say "America," and highlight economic metrics involving billions or trillions of dollars. Mentions of energy, the border, and geopolitical tensions are also drawing strong probabilities. Basically, the smart money expects Trump to blend his economic messaging with national security themes. Because of course he will.
When And Where To Watch?
The show starts at 9 PM E.T. on Tuesday in Washington. You can catch it on all the major networks—ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, and Fox—or livestream it on the White House's official YouTube page. Plan for a long night. Trump's annual congressional speeches during his first term averaged an hour and 20 minutes, which is the highest average in modern presidential history, according to The American Presidency Project. His address last year set a record at an hour and 40 minutes. So maybe grab some snacks.
What's On The Agenda?
While the exact script isn't confirmed, the administration will likely spotlight job creation, domestic manufacturing, and investment in energy and artificial intelligence. This comes even as broader economic growth has cooled and inflation concerns linger for many households. The pitch is expected to be that Trump's policies have stabilized the economy and positioned the U.S. competitively, framing any headwinds as the byproduct of global instability rather than domestic weakness.
Immigration is almost certainly on the table. It's been a key pillar of his second term, with the administration defending aggressive enforcement aimed at removing people living in the U.S. illegally who have committed crimes. That stance has drawn fierce criticism from lawmakers and civil liberties groups, and federal agents' actions in cities have sparked controversy in recent months. So expect some fireworks there.
On trade, the tone might need some adjustment. After the Supreme Court curtailed parts of his tariff authority, Trump is likely to defend his strategy while signaling alternative paths forward. With approval ratings on a downward trend, the speech doubles as both an economic case-making exercise and an attempt at political consolidation.
And don't forget foreign policy. Heightened U.S.–Iran tensions and a growing military buildup in the Middle East could easily thread through the remarks.
