CNN plans extensive live coverage of Donald Trump's first address to the 119th Congress. Their special coverage begins March 4, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET with Jake Tapper and Erin Burnett. The broadcast will feature a team of correspondents providing real-time updates and in-depth analysis from multiple locations.
From Washington, D.C., Jake Tapper, alongside Abby Phillip, John King, and Kasie Hunt, will deliver reporting and political analysis. Erin Burnett, with a panel of political experts, will provide context and insights into the speech's reception. Dana Bash will offer key reporting and interviews from Capitol Hill.
Kaitlan Collins and Jeff Zeleny will provide insights into the Trump administration. Manu Raju will report live from inside the Capitol, while Boris Sanchez will provide reaction from a focus group in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. David Chalian will share results of CNN’s instant poll, and Daniel Dale will offer live fact-checks.
CNN's coverage will also address key policy areas. Phil Mattingly will cover the economy, David Culver will report on immigration, Jim Sciutto will focus on national security, Paula Reid will cover legal matters, and Rene Marsh will report on Elon Musk and DOGE.
International perspectives will be provided by Matthew Chance (Moscow), Nick Paton Walsh (Ukraine), Jeremy Diamond (Israel), and Marc Stewart (Beijing). At 12:30 a.m., Abby Phillip and Laura Coates will lead post-speech coverage with expert panels in Washington and New York. The coverage will air on CNN, stream on Max, and be available for free on CNN's website and apps from 9 p.m. to approximately 11 p.m.