Democratic lawmakers called the president's primetime speech "cray cray" and "unhinged" as he touted controversial tariffs and announced $1,776 bonus checks for troops.

U.S. President Donald Trump used a pre-holiday address from the White House on Wednesday to portray his first year in office as a success story, even as Americans worry about the economy and Republicans face tough midterm elections in 2026.

This year’s State of the Nation Address will be delivered on Thursday, 12 February 2026 at 19:00 and proceedings will be broadcast from 17:00 onwards. The address is delivered at a joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament (National Assembly and National Council of Provinces).