Trump demands last-minute changes to his State of the Union address
Donald Trump arrives at the White House. REUTERS/Aaron Schwartz
February 24, 2026
President Trump called House Speaker Mike Johnson Sunday night with a last-minute demand to add guests to his State of the Union address, scheduled for Tuesday. Johnson revealed at a Capitol press conference that Trump requested changes shortly after the U.S. men's hockey team defeated Canada at the Olympics. When Johnson asked how many additional guests Trump wanted, the president responded, "I think the whole team." Johnson acknowledged the gallery was already full with a waiting list but committed to "squeeze in the hockey players tonight." Critics have noted the address comes amid challenges including the Supreme Court's tariff ruling against Trump and his administration's controversial handling of the Epstein files investigation. Some predict Trump may lash out at justices or complain about feeling unappreciated. Meanwhile, numerous Democratic lawmakers plan to skip the address entirely, hosting an alternative "People's State of the Union" event instead.
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