A History of the State of the Union Address: Origins and Evolution

President Donald Trump is set to deliver the first State of the Union address of his second term on Tuesday, amid a backdrop of economic turbulence and geopolitical tensions that have defined his initial year back in office.

The address comes at a critical juncture for the administration, which has implemented wide-ranging tariff policies that have sent ripples through global markets and supply chains. These protectionist measures have altered trade relationships with major economic partners, including China and the European Union, while drawing both praise from domestic manufacturers and criticism from import-dependent industries.

According to a preview video released by the White House on Saturday, Trump is expected to emphasize border security and public safety initiatives that have characterized his return to power. His administration’s intensified immigration enforcement in urban centers has sparked heated debates about federal-local jurisdiction and the economic impact of labor market changes in affected communities.

The president is likely to address persistent cost-of-living concerns that continue to trouble American households despite positive macroeconomic indicators. Inflation, though moderating, remains a kitchen-table issue for many voters, particularly in swing states that will be crucial in the upcoming midterm elections.

Escalating tensions with Iran have added another layer of complexity to Trump’s second term. Recent military posturing in the Persian Gulf has revived concerns about potential conflict in a region already destabilized by years of proxy warfare. Energy markets have responded with volatility, with crude oil prices fluctuating in response to each diplomatic exchange or military movement.

The State of the Union tradition itself carries significant historical weight. Enshrined in Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution, the address requires presidents to periodically update Congress on the nation’s condition. George Washington delivered the inaugural address in 1790 in New York, which served as the nation’s capital at that time.

The format evolved significantly when Thomas Jefferson abandoned the in-person speech in favor of a written message, believing the live delivery carried too many monarchical overtones. This written tradition persisted for roughly a century until President Woodrow Wilson returned to the Capitol in 1913 to deliver the address in person, establishing the televised political spectacle familiar to modern Americans.

Throughout its history, the State of the Union has produced memorable political moments that reflect the nation’s divisions. During Trump’s previous term, then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi dramatically tore up a copy of his speech on camera, creating an iconic image of partisan discord. In 2009, Republican Representative Joe Wilson shouted “You lie!” during President Barack Obama’s address, breaching longstanding protocols of decorum.

President Ronald Reagan introduced what would become an enduring tradition in 1982 when he recognized ordinary American citizens seated in the gallery. This practice has been embraced by every subsequent administration, highlighting individuals whose stories align with presidential policy priorities.

Despite the address’s constitutional significance and ceremonial importance, traditional viewership has declined in recent decades. Nielsen Media Research indicates that State of the Union addresses regularly attracted between 40 and 60 million viewers in the 1990s and early 2000s. Contemporary addresses typically draw between 25 and 35 million viewers on conventional television platforms.

This viewership decline may not necessarily indicate waning public interest but rather reflects the fragmentation of media consumption habits in the digital era. Nielsen research suggests that streaming services, YouTube, and social media platforms now compete with broadcast television for audience attention, potentially dispersing rather than diminishing the total viewership.

As Trump prepares to address Congress and the nation, both allies and opponents will be scrutinizing his words for indications of policy direction that could shape both domestic politics and international relations in the coming year.