WASHINGTON — Donald Trump, known for his love of grand occasions, is set to deliver a speech to a joint session of Congress that promises all the hallmarks of a major political event. Though technically not a State of the Union address—since Trump hasn’t yet hit the one-year mark in his term—the broadcast will bear every resemblance to one for those tuning in.
The House chamber fills with lawmakers, the president’s entrance garners raucous applause announced by the sergeant-at-arms, and every detail of the evening is methodically choreographed.
A question on many minds is: Where is Elon Musk? Generally, the most influential figures in the U.S. government take up positions around the president during such speeches. The vice president and the House speaker, who also acts as the Senate’s ceremonial leader, are seated prominently behind.
But Musk, billionaire entrepreneur and an unexpected key advisor in Trump’s administration overseeing the Department of Government Efficiency, captures the spotlight. His unprecedented role has led to extensive changes in federal operational dynamics. The curiosity lies in whether Musk, often termed the world’s wealthiest person, will be present in the gallery as a special guest or elsewhere.
A significant focus of Trump’s speech will inevitably be on Ukraine. Recent tense interactions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over a fractured partnership concerning critical minerals have raised questions about future U.S. support, as Ukraine defends against a prolonged Russian onslaught.
Trump’s blunt ultimatum to Zelenskyy—”You either make a deal or we are out”—casts uncertainty over U.S. foreign policy and its European alliances. The address offers Trump, a Republican, a chance to clarify his stance on the conflict and broader international relations.
Attention will also be on how lawmakers conduct themselves during the address, especially given the raucous nature of previous presidential speeches. Notoriously, Rep. Joe Wilson interrupted President Barack Obama with a shouted accusation of dishonesty in 2009.
Trump, known for his unscripted provocations, might expect differing responses from Democrats, who have sometimes protested subtly but whose current voter base demands more assertiveness. Republicans, more predictable in their allegiance, may vie to display their loyalty.
The question of whether Trump outlines a legislative agenda remains. While aiming for extensive powers in his second term, certain objectives like spending cuts, border security funding, and tax reforms require congressional cooperation.
With narrow Republican control in both the House and Senate, unity is paramount, and Trump’s tactics oscillate between competing legislative approaches for significant reforms. While detailed blueprints from Trump are unlikely, any hints or prodding could reshape legislative priorities.
Ultimately, much hinges on which version of Trump takes the stage. In his element during unscripted rallies, Trump’s previous large-scale speeches often stray from expectations.
Observations from his Republican National Convention acceptance speech, beginning with a more tempered tone that transitions into his familiar grievance-filled rhetoric, may provide clues to his approach. How strictly Trump adheres to—or diverges from—his prepared script could set the tone for both his presidency and legislative interactions.
