President Donald Trump is set to address the nation in prime time Wednesday night, using the White House spotlight to promote what his administration calls the successes of his first year back in office and to outline priorities heading toward 2026.
Trump announced the address on Truth Social, saying he would speak at 9 p.m. EST and promising that the “best is yet to come” after what he described as a strong year for the country. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the speech will focus on the president’s “historic accomplishments,” including border security efforts, inflation and plans for the year ahead.
The address comes as the midterm election cycle is already underway, with Trump facing mixed political headwinds. While his approval rating has recently ticked up, polls continue to show voter concerns about the economy and affordability, issues that remain central for many Americans.
According to the latest Decision Desk HQ polling average, Trump’s approval rating stands at 44.4 percent, while his disapproval rating has dipped to 52.2 percent. The White House hopes the nationally televised speech will help reset the narrative as economic anxiety persists.
Recent Labor Department data showed the U.S. added 64,000 jobs in November, though the unemployment rate rose to 4.6 percent. While private-sector job growth exceeded expectations, overall gains were dampened by federal layoffs and buyouts. At the same time, millions of Americans could soon face higher health insurance premiums if enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies expire at the end of the month, with Congress appearing unlikely to act before the deadline.
Trump has recently returned to domestic travel, visiting Pennsylvania last week and planning a stop in North Carolina on Friday. Vice President JD Vance has also emphasized economic messaging during campaign-style appearances in battleground states.
The speech also comes amid renewed attention on internal White House dynamics following a magazine profile of chief of staff Susie Wiles, which Trump and his allies have dismissed as misleading. Despite the controversy, the president has publicly reaffirmed his confidence in his top aide.
Wednesday night’s address offers Trump a direct opportunity to speak to voters nationwide as his administration works to shore up support and frame the political debate heading into a pivotal election year.