On Tuesday, March 4, at 9 p.m. ET, President Donald Trump will address a Joint Session of Congress. This highly anticipated event is not officially a State of the Union address, but it’s still a big deal.
House Speaker Mike Johnson invited Trump to share his vision for the country’s future, and we can’t wait to hear what he has to say.
What’s the Difference Between a Joint Session and a State of the Union Address?
A State of the Union address is a traditional speech that the President gives to Congress every year, usually during the second, third, and fourth year of their presidency.
It’s a chance for the President to update Congress on the state of the nation and propose new legislation.
A Joint Session, on the other hand, is a meeting of both the House and Senate, and it’s not necessarily a State of the Union address. But don’t worry, it’s still going to be a big deal!
How Did This All Come About?
House Speaker Mike Johnson sent a letter to President Trump, praising his leadership and inviting him to address Congress.
Johnson wrote, “Thanks to your strong leadership and bold action in the first days of your presidency, the United States is already experiencing a resurgence of patriotism, unity, and hope for the future.”
He also said that Trump’s administration and the 119th Congress have the chance to make the next four years “some of the most consequential in our nation’s history.”
A Little History Lesson
The tradition of the State of the Union address dates back to the Constitution, which requires the President to provide Congress with information about the state of the Union and offer legislative recommendations.
Over time, the speech has evolved, with former President Woodrow Wilson delivering the first in-person address since former President John Adams.
Former President Harry S. Truman standardized the title “State of the Union” in the 1940s, and former President Lyndon Baines Johnson began the tradition of a primetime address.
The “Designated Survivor”
During the speech, one member of the President’s cabinet will be named the “designated survivor” and will stay home from the address in case of an emergency.
This tradition started in 1984, and notable designated survivors have included former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and former Attorney General Eric Holder. Who will it be this time?
So, get ready to tune in on Tuesday, March 4, at 9 p.m. ET, and hear what President Trump has to say to Congress. It’s going to be a big night, and we can’t wait to see what happens!