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President Donald Trump is addressing Congress tonight in a special session. Although Presidents give this speech every year, you may notice something interesting about tonight. It’s not called “The State of the Union.” Why not?
Here’s what you need to know.
Although the speech is to a joint session of Congress and it’s taking place at the same time that State of the Unions typically do, it doesn’t share that name. This isn’t unusual or unique to Trump. Technically, this isn’t his first State of the Union address because he hasn’t been in office for a year yet. Traditionally, Presidents have served for a full year before they can give their very first State of the Union speech.
Since Trump has only been in office for a little over a month, his address is being called an address to a joint session of Congress instead.
Trump is expected to talk about the goals of his administration during his speech. He is also expected to not only be addressing Congress, but also the American people.
These speeches first became officially known as State of the Union speeches in 1947.