The seating arrangements for the upcoming State of the Union address on January 30, 2026, have been announced. President Donald Trump will deliver this address, marking the beginning of his second term. Political figures from across the spectrum, including members of Congress, Cabinet officials, and Supreme Court justices, are set to attend, with notable exceptions such as the designated survivor.
In the House chamber, the most prestigious spots are those nearest to the president. The Vice President, JD Vance, and the Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, will occupy the seats directly behind Trump. From the audience’s perspective, Vance will be situated to the left and Johnson to the right. This arrangement underscores the continuity in party affiliation, as both leaders are Republicans and strong proponents of the president.
Supreme Court Justices and Their Role
The Supreme Court justices will also play a significant role during the address. They typically sit in a front row on the chamber floor, reflecting their vital function in protecting the Constitution. Chief Justice John Roberts along with Associate Justices Elena Kagan, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett are expected to attend. Their presence comes shortly after the Supreme Court ruled against one of Trump’s key policies regarding tariffs, which could create an interesting dynamic during the speech.
While the justices often attend, their participation is not guaranteed. The timing of the Supreme Court’s decisions, which will be announced both on the morning of the State of the Union and the following day, means that justices may have a long evening ahead on January 30.
Where Everyone Else Will Sit
The First Lady’s box, located in the gallery above the chamber floor, will host guests invited by First Lady Melania Trump. Traditionally, this box highlights individuals of significance, with the second lady typically accompanying her. The First Lady may invite up to two dozen guests, adding a personal touch to the event.
Members of Congress will find their seating arrangements to be a matter of early arrival and party affiliation. Republicans generally sit on one side, while Democrats occupy the opposite side. Senators, who have priority, are seated in rows closer to the front, while House members are positioned further back. Cabinet members, on the other hand, are typically allotted front-row seats, emphasizing their role in the administration.
Although an official seating chart for this particular State of the Union has not been released, looking back at previous addresses, such as those delivered by former President Joe Biden, provides insight into how these arrangements commonly appear.
As the date approaches, the attention turns not only to the president’s address but also to the dynamics presented by the seating arrangements. This year’s event promises to be particularly noteworthy given the political context and the individuals present.
