The 2026 State of the Union is scheduled for tonight, Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET , and it will be very easy to watch live across TV and streaming platforms.

When is the 2026 State of the Union?

  • Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
  • Time: Speech scheduled to start at 9 p.m. Eastern Time (6 p.m. PT).
  • Pre-show coverage: Many networks begin special coverage as early as 6–8 p.m. ET with panels and previews.

President Donald Trump is giving his first State of the Union of his second term in this 2026 address.

Where to watch on TV

You can watch the 2026 State of the Union on essentially every major news network.

  • Broadcast networks (free over-the-air):
    • CBS (with special primetime coverage starting at 9 p.m. ET).
* ABC (live at 9 p.m. ET, with extended political coverage).

* PBS (PBS NewsHour special coverage from 6 p.m. ET, speech at 9 p.m. ET).

* NBC and other major broadcasters typically carry it live with network anchors and analysis.
  • Cable news channels:
    • Fox News Channel: Full live coverage; speech at 9 p.m. ET, with pre-shows and post-speech analysis.
* **MSNBC / NBC News Now and other major cable outlets:** Extended evening coverage blocks, panels, and live reactions.

* **C‑SPAN:** Commercial‑free feed of the address and the chamber, plus additional “sights and sounds” coverage on its alternate channel.

If you have basic cable, satellite, or a digital antenna, you can just tune in to any of these channels at 9 p.m. ET.

How to stream the State of the Union 2026

If you prefer to watch online or don’t have cable, there are many free streaming options.

Official and news network streams

  • CBS News 24/7 streaming:
    • Available via the CBS News app , CBSNews.com , YouTube, select social platforms, Paramount+ , and Pluto TV.
  • ABC News:
    • Live broadcast at 9 p.m. ET,
    • ABC News Live streaming with special coverage starting at 7 p.m. ET,
    • Digital live blog and clips on ABC News Digital.
  • PBS NewsHour:
    • Livestream on PBS.org , PBS NewsHour website , and platforms like YouTube, X, Facebook, TikTok , with highlights on Instagram.
  • Fox News Digital:
    • Streaming on FoxNews.com , Fox News app , Fox Nation , and Fox One app , in addition to the TV channel.
  • C‑SPAN:
    • Live streams the address on its website and apps, often with an unfiltered, commentary‑light feed.
  • White House stream:
    • The address will also be streamed live on the White House website and official YouTube channel.

Streaming services that carry live TV

If you use a live TV streaming bundle (for example, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling with news add‑ons, Fubo, etc.), you can watch through any of the above networks that are included in your plan; just search for CBS, ABC, PBS, Fox News, or C‑SPAN at 9 p.m. ET.

Accessibility options and special formats

  • ASL (sign language) coverage:
    PBS is offering live American Sign Language interpretation via D‑PAN for the 2026 State of the Union.
  • Ad‑free or minimal commentary feeds:
    C‑SPAN’s main channel and its additional “Sights and Sounds” programming provide a more straightforward broadcast if you want fewer graphics and less punditry.
  • Social media viewing:
    PBS NewsHour and other outlets will carry the speech on YouTube, X, Facebook, TikTok , and share key clips and reaction segments afterward.

Quick FAQ

What time is the State of the Union 2026 in my time zone?

  • 9 p.m. ET
  • 8 p.m. CT
  • 7 p.m. MT
  • 6 p.m. PT

Is it free to watch?

  • Yes. You can watch it free over the air (CBS, ABC, PBS, etc.), on C‑SPAN, and via many free online streams from networks and the White House.

Is this a big political TV event this year?

  • Yes. It’s the first State of the Union of Trump’s second term, coming ahead of key legislative fights and with heavy network coverage, live fact‑checking, and next‑day analysis shows.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.