Watch CBS News

How the State of the Union address turned into a prime-time event

President Trump will travel to Capitol Hill for his second official State of the Union address. The speech fulfills the constitutional requirement that the president "from time to time give to the Congress information of the State of the Union." Over two centuries, that simple mandate evolved from a written report into an annual prime-time address, part laundry list of policy proposals, part theatrical performance and always an odd display of applause and silence. John Dickerson reports.
View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.