State of the Union Address Amidst DHS Shutdown and Political Divisions

President Donald Trump is set to deliver his first State of the Union address of his second term against a backdrop of political tension, including an ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The address comes as Democrats and the White House remain at odds over immigration enforcement policies, following the fatal shootings of two Minneapolis residents by federal agents. The President’s speech will also occur after the Supreme Court struck down his emergency tariffs and as potential negotiations with Iran loom.

DHS Shutdown and Democratic Demands

The Department of Homeland Security entered its tenth day of a partial shutdown on February 23, 2026, as funding negotiations stalled. Republicans are seeking an opening for a deal this week, but Democrats are pushing for increased restrictions on immigration enforcement agents, specifically within Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This demand stems from the recent shootings in Minneapolis, prompting Democrats to tie DHS funding to immigration policy changes.

The shutdown is impacting several critical agencies:

• The Coast Guard: Facing disruptions to maritime search and rescue, port security, and drug interdiction.
• The U.S. Secret Service: Continuing protective duties without pay.
• CISA: Cybersecurity personnel are stretched thin, potentially compromising emergency communications and infrastructure defense.
• TSA: Airport security operations are proceeding with personnel working without pay, potentially causing delays and increased risks.
• FEMA: Operations are limited during ongoing severe winter storms and a sewage leak in Washington, D.C.

Political Responses and Counterprogramming

Many Democrats have indicated they will boycott the State of the Union address, opting instead to participate in counterprogramming events. At least 12 Democrats plan to attend a rally dubbed the “People’s State of the Union” on the National Mall, hosted by MeidasTouch and MoveOn.

Another event, “State of the Swamp: The Rebuttal of the State of the Union,” will be held at the National Press Club, featuring Democratic lawmakers, including Senator Ron Wyden and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, as well as figures like actor Mark Ruffalo, Stacey Abrams, and former CNN host Don Lemon.

Official Responses to the Address

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger will deliver the Democratic rebuttal to the President’s address, with coverage provided by major news networks. Senator Alex Padilla will provide the Spanish-language response on networks like Telemundo and Univision. Representative Summer Lee will deliver a response on behalf of the Working Families Party, available on their website.

Where and When to Watch

The State of the Union address will take place in the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., and is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. ET. Coverage will be streamed on C-SPAN starting at 7 p.m. ET, and will also be available on TIME, PBS, CBS, CNN, and FOX.

The White House has emphasized the strength of the nation under President Trump, highlighting safety and security with claims of falling crime rates and increased respect on the world stage.