Donald Trump delivers crucial State of the Union address ahead of mid-terms, 30 Democrats skip speech

U.S. President Donald Trump began his State of the Union address on Tuesday (February 24, 2026), a speech where he plans to declare his policies have the job market and domestic manufacturing booming — hoping to convince increasingly wary Americans that the economy is stronger than many believe and that they should vote for more of the same by backing Republicans during November’s midterm elections.

Republicans chanted “USA! USA!” as Mr. Trump, wearing a long red tie and a blue suit, stepped to the lectern in the House.

Most Democrats remained seated without applauding. Some of the party’s lawmakers registered their opposition by refraining from attending the speech.

“It is indeed a turnaround for the ages,” Mr. Trump said early on.

Democratic U.S. Representative Al ‌Green was ​escorted out ⁠of the House of Representatives chamber at the start ‌of President Trump’s State of the Union ‌address, after he ‌held ⁠high a ⁠protest sign.

As Trump entered the House chamber, Green, a ​Texas Democrat, unfurled ‌a white sign that read: “Black people aren’t apes.” This is a ‌reference to a ​social media video posted earlier this month ⁠by Trump that included a clip depicting ‌former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes. The White House eventually took ‌down the video and Trump ​said a staffer posted the video.

30 Democrats skip speech

Some 30 elected Democrats skipped President Donald Trump’s address to attend a “People’s State of the Union.”

The president “makes a mockery of this institution and he does not deserve an audience,” Senator Chris Murphy told a crowd assembled in front of the US Capitol ahead of Trump’s speech.

(With inputs from PTI, AP, AFP)