President Trump is set to deliver his first address to a joint session of Congress since his return to the White House, promising a moment where he will likely bask in his disruption of Washington and outline his plans for the upcoming year. Drawing on his previous State of the Union address in 2020, which was a mix of reality TV, gameshow, and WWE smackdown, Trump’s approach to this presidential tradition is expected to be dramatic and unpredictable. Unlike past presidents, Trump tends to claim more credit and make fewer demands of lawmakers, often using his choice of guests to convey a partisan message. The atmosphere during Trump’s 2020 address was tense, with the shadow of his impeachment and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic looming over the chamber.

The 2020 State of the Union address was marked by surprises and emotional moments, including a scholarship announcement for a student, a tribute to Rush Limbaugh’s battle with cancer culminating in a Presidential Medal of Freedom award, and a military family reunion. These made-for-TV moments elicited mixed reactions, with Republicans applauding and Democrats reacting with disbelief. As Trump prepares for his upcoming address, speculation abounds about what unconventional twists he may introduce this time. With a divisive political landscape, it is anticipated that Trump’s message will likely continue to be confrontational and captivating, ensuring that this State of the Union will once again be far from ordinary.