Trump plans "potpourri" prime-time speech Thursday

Marc Caputo

U.S. President Donald Trump reacts after being given a personalised racing helmet during a Freedom 250 Grand Prix Showcase at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 13, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY — President Trump receives a personalized racing helmet during a Freedom 250 Grand Prix Showcase at the White House on Monday. Photo: Kylie Cooper/Reuters

President Trump's prime-time Thursday speech from the White House is slated to include election integrity, an update on Iran and whatever else he deems important, a senior adviser tells Axios.

"It will be a potpourri," the adviser said.

Why it matters: Though ever-available to reporters, Trump hasn't given many prime-time, direct-to-camera speeches from the White House. He wants to do more of them, the adviser said.

Zoom in: Trump announced on Truth Social on Monday that he plans to give a "Speech to the Nation" on Thursday at 9 p.m. ET. The specifics beyond that — where in the White House and the exact topics — are less certain. But two issues are top of mind for Trump:

Resumed fighting with Iran. "It's changing by the minute, but it's something he wants to address," the adviser said.
Election integrity. The president wants to pass the SAVE America Act, a strict voter ID law that's stalled in Congress. And he may present findings from his intelligence officials about the administration's review of the 2020 election, which Trump won't admit he lost.

Trump's adviser denied online reports that the president plans to discuss the 2020 Senate elections in Georgia, which were won by two Democrats.

Yes, but: You never know what Trump's going to talk about. He just wants to talk. And he wants to do more of it.

"We want to get into the rhythm of doing this," the adviser said. "It's powerful when you give prime-time speeches that give a sense of importance to what he's saying."

Add Axios on Google

Trump plans "potpourri" prime-time speech Thursday

What to read next