2026 State of the Union: In Numbers
About the report
Article II of the US Constitution mandates that the president periodically inform Congress about the "state of the union," including budget reports and legislative proposals. It is also a chance for the president to review their achievements, with not just Congress watching live, but the public as well. President Trump is set to deliver the 2026 State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 24th.
Throughout history, the State of the Union and similar speeches have been heavy on policy or accomplishments, but have seldom been nonbiased. This is where the 2026 State of the Union in Numbers comes in.
This data-driven, impartial report contains historic metrics — how you use them to advocate for the changes you want to see in the country is up to you.
State of the Union: In Numbers sections
Budget
Both federal revenue and spending increased in fiscal year (FY) 2025. Most revenue was from individual income and payroll taxes. Most spending was on Social Security, national defense, grants to state and local governments, Medicare, and interest on the debt. Spending and revenue were both higher than their pre-pandemic levels, and the federal government ran another deficit as spending outpaced revenue.
Federal government finances
Adjusted for inflation (FY 2025 dollars)
Federal government revenue, by source (FY 2025)
Federal government spending, by category (FY 2025)
Economy
In 2024, the economy expanded as GDP increased. In 2025, inflation decreased slightly, and the size of imports and exports shifted. These and other measures provide a snapshot of economic activity, prices, and the labor market heading into 2026.
Consumer Price Index
12-month percent change, seasonally adjusted
Trade balance, by component
Not adjusted for inflation
Monthly average effective tariff rate
Customs duties revenue as a share of goods imports
Standard of Living
Different measures of individual and household financial health reveal both gains and persistent challenges regarding 2025. Per capita gross domestic product (GDP) has risen every year since 2020, while the amount of wealth held by the middle class (households in the middle 20% of all income earners) and household debt has stayed relatively steady. The share of the population living in poverty is near a historic low, but there are more people experiencing homelessness than ever recorded.
Average middle class household wealth
Adjusted for inflation (Q3 2025 dollars)
Poverty rate
Percent of the population living below the poverty line
Homelessness
Number of people experiencing homelessness, by sheltered status
Education
The education system faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic in providing instruction, services, and school meals to students. Public schools took in and spent more funds than ever before. It also had mixed impacts on teachers and students. The number of public-school teachers has increased each year since 2020 while the number of students has decreased or stayed the same. Meanwhile, test scores have fallen.
Public school spending
Adjusted for inflation (FY 2023 dollars)
Teacher population
Number of public school teachers
Reading proficiency
Percentage of students proficient in reading, by grade
Immigration and border security
Immigration issues were front and center in 2025. Refugee admissions and border crossing attempts decreased in fiscal year (FY) 2025 compared to 2024. Meanwhile, the number of people in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention was higher in December 2025 than in December 2024. President Trump’s policy proposals suggest these trends could continue.
Other data in this section has not been updated at the source beyond 2024, and so cannot shed light on more recent policy changes. In FY 2024, the number of new immigrant arrivals was down from a year prior, but it was still at the second-highest level since at least 1997. ICE and US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) repatriated over 677,000 noncitizens as of November 2024. The latter data source has been marked “under review” since January 2025.
Immigrant arrivals
Number of new immigrant arrivals to the US
Refugees
Refugee admissions by month
Border apprehensions
Apprehensions by USBP between official ports of entry
ICE detentions
ICE detainee population, July 2020–December 2025
Defense & foreign affairs
FY 2025 defense funding reflected ongoing commitments to military personnel and veterans, as well as the resources needed to maintain Department of Defense operations. The US complements its military with economic and security assistance for allies and regions.
National defense spending
Adjusted for inflation (FY 2025 dollars)
Troops in the armed forces
By type and branch (September 2025)
Foreign aid obligations
Adjusted for inflation (FY 2024)
