Source: Tenth Amendment Center
by Michael Boldin
“On January 8, 1790, President George Washington walked into the Senate chamber of Federal Hall in New York City to deliver his first Annual Message to Congress – what we would now call the first State of the Union Address. His remarks were concise, rooted in the Constitution, and set the tone for a young republic. In contrast with today’s televised spectacle, Washington’s address had no pomp or ceremony – no honored guests, no orchestrated applause lines. Instead, he spoke directly to the challenges facing the fledgling Union, underscoring the importance of unity, defense, and constitutional principles.” (01/08/25)