The U.S. Constitution says: He shall from time to time give to the Congress information of the State of the Union and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.
— Article II, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution
CLICK here for the State of the Union Address on Tuesday!
Posted Feb 24, 2026
Posted Feb 24, 2026
Posted Feb 23, 2026
Posted Feb 28, 2022
Posted Feb 5, 2019
Posted Jan 31, 2018
Posted Jan 27, 2014
Posted Feb 12, 2013
Seating Arrangment
The Dais (Behind the President)
Two of the most prominent seats are directly behind the president on a raised platform called the dais:
Vice President – JD Vance
Sits on the left side (from the audience’s perspective) in his capacity as President of the Senate.
Speaker of the House – Mike Johnson
Sits on the right side (from the audience’s perspective) as the presiding officer of the House.
The Floor (In Front of the President)
The front rows are reserved for the highest-ranking officials of the three branches of government and the military:
- Supreme Court Justices: Typically seated in the first row, nearest to the rostrum.
- The Cabinet: Most members of the President’s Cabinet sit in the front rows opposite or near the justices.
- Joint Chiefs of Staff: Top military leaders occupy a reserved section near the Cabinet.
- Diplomatic Corps: Foreign ambassadors and high-ranking diplomats have a dedicated reserved section.
- Members of Congress: Senators and Representatives fill the remaining seats on the floor. These are not assigned and are generally taken on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Gallery (Upper Level)
The upper levels are for guests and the media:
First Lady’s Box
Where the First Lady sits with approximately two dozen specially invited guests, often chosen to highlight specific policy themes.
Congressional Guests
Each member of Congress is typically issued one guest ticket for someone to sit in the gallery.
Press Gallery
Designated areas for journalists and media covering the event.
The Missing Seat
The Designated Survivor: One Cabinet member is always absent, staying in a secure, undisclosed location to ensure the continuity of government in the event of a catastrophe. For the 2025 address, this was Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins
.
You must be logged in to post a comment.