Donald Trump’s first joint congressional address of his second term is set to take place Tuesday evening—and if the first 42 days of his administration have been any clue, it’s bound to be a show.
The joint address, which is akin to a State of the Union address, but carries a different name, since he has only just taken office, will likely focus on man of the issues Trump has already addressed, including the ongoing government restructuring and job cuts, immigration policy and tariffs.
Trump, on social media, has said his speech will be “big” and said he will “tell it like it is”.
Hoping to watch, but won’t be in your living room? You have lots of options.
When does Trump’s joint address air?
Trump is scheduled to begin his address shortly after 9 p.m. ET. It’s not a State of the Union speech, since he needs to be in office for a full year before delivering one of those, but it’s pretty similar.
Where can I watch Trump’s joint address?
The address will be widely covered by all major broadcast networks and cable news channels, each airing it live and having lots of analysis before and after the speech. Multiple online news sites will also stream the event.
How can I watch Trump’s joint address to Congress for free if I don’t have cable?
If you don’t have a cable or satellite subscription, the best way to watch any network-aired program for free on a big screen is with a good HD antenna. The joint address to Congress will be broadcast by ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS and Fox—meaning you’re almost certainly going to be able to find at least one channel airing it with a strong signal over the air, which costs nothing beyond the equipment prices. Be sure to test the antenna in multiple locations in your home to find the most reliable signal.
Can I stream Trump’s joint address live online if I don’t have a cable subscription?
All of the broadcast and cable news networks will stream the inauguration on their websites, apps and social media and YouTube channels.
ABC
You can log into ABCNews.com to watch the address, though you will need to enter a cable service account number. The ABC News Facebook page will also carry the address.
CBS
CBS News 24/7, the network’s online streaming news service, will carry the speech. You can also watch on the CBS News Facebook page. And the CBS News livestream on YouTube will carry the address as well.
FOX
You can log into Fox.com to watch the address.
NBC
Free options include NBCNews.com, MSNBC.com, and the NBC News app, which will all simulcast the address. You can also watch it live on the Facebook page of NBC News
PBS
The PBS Newshour livestream on YouTube will carry the address.
CNN
Video coverage will stream on the CNN.com homepage and can be watched on the CNNGo streaming service.
MSNBC
Watch the address on the network’s website.
Fox News
Live coverage will begin at FoxNews.com at 9:00 p.m. ET.
C-Span
The network will broadcast the address live on its website and take calls from viewers following the speech.
White House
The website of the president’s residence and workplace will air a livestream on its official website and on YouTube.
Failing those options, you can also watch through one of several streaming services.
Paramount+
CBS’s streaming service will give you a one-week free trial, followed by a $8 or $13 monthly charge. (An annual plan is as low as $30 right now.)
Peacock
NBC’s streaming service will give you access to that network’s coverage. It carries a $8 or $14 monthly charge—and the service has recently done away with its free trial.
Disney+
Disney’s bundle of Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ no longer has a free trial, so you’ll have to pay $17 per month for all three combined (or $30 per month for no ads on Hulu).
Including Live TV in the bundle bumps the price to $77 per month ($90 with no ads).
Hulu with Live TV
The free trial on this service lasts three days. Afterward, it will cost you $77 per month.
YouTubeTV
After a free trial, you can expect monthly charges of $73.
Sling TV
Dish Network’s Sling lower-tiered “Orange” plan will run you $40 per month. Adding the more comprehensive “Blue” plan bumps the cost to $55 per month. The seven-day free trial has disappeared, unfortunately.
DirecTV Stream
Formerly known as DirecTV Now, AT&T TVNow and AT&T TV, this oft-renamed streaming service will run you $80 per month and up after the free trial option.
Fubo TV
This sports-focused cord-cutting service carries broadcast networks in most markets as well as news channels. There’s a seven-day free trial, followed by monthly charges of $80 and up, depending on the channels you choose.
Who is giving the Democratic response to the joint address?
Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin will deliver the Democratic response. Rep. Adriano Espaillat will provide a Spanish-language response. This comes days after Trump signed an executive order designating English as the official language of the U.S.
Will Elon Musk attend the joint address to Congress?
Musk hasn’t officially said whether he will attend, but is widely expected to be in the audience, given his close association with Trump.
Why isn’t this called the State of the Union?
The State of the Union, traditionally, is a look back at the last year. Since Trump just took office in January, his first address to the House and the Senate will be more forward looking and set the tone for the year to come.
