Morning Joe Trump to deliver State of the Union address tonight
Feb 24, 2026
Jonathan Lemire, seasoned political reporter; Mark Hertling, retired Army lieutenant general; Lisa Rubin, legal reporter and former litigator. They preview the State of the Union and Trump's falling support. They explore GOP messaging needs, Republican enthusiasm risks, key legal rulings on classified documents, and military strategy and risks around Iran and Ukraine.
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Trump's Collapsing Independent Support
- President Trump faces collapsing support among independents and key voter groups, making his State of the Union a make-or-break moment for Republicans.
- Polls show approval in the low 40s overall, 26% with independents and dramatic drops with Latino and non-college white voters, undermining midterm prospects.
Republicans Want Affordability Focus
- Republicans worry Trump isn't focusing on the single most winnable message: affordability, and instead will boast about tariffs and unrelated issues.
- Aides plead for emphasis on cost-of-living policies to help House and Senate races, but Trump reportedly resists.
Judges Escalate Over DOJ Immigration Defiance
- Federal judges are increasingly issuing show-cause orders after DOJ repeatedly failed to comply with immigration-related court orders.
- The New York Times found at least 35 instances since August where judges demanded explanations for government noncompliance.