WASHINGTON, D.C. (WENY News) -- At 9:00pm ET, President Donald Trump will deliver his first joint address to Congress of his second term. Millions of eyes from across the country and the world will be watching the prime-time speech very closely. 

Political scientists and experts say Tuesday night’s address is an opportunity for President Trump to be the “explainer-in-chief.” It’s an opportunity for Trump to explain the actions of his administration thus far, including some of those controversial ones that have seen some pushback, like federal layoffs and large-scale downsizing efforts.

Experts say Trump will need to build public support for DOGE as it purges through federal agencies.

He will also need to elaborate on foreign policy. Many Americans have questions after that heated Oval Office encounter on Friday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Additionally, the situation in Gaza, the remaining hostages and the next phase of the ceasefire agreement are all topics people will be listening closely for. 

Today, Trump also announced 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada. As retaliatory tariffs take shape, Trump will try to defend his position as concerns over a global trade war increase. 

Experts say Trump will use a large portion of his speech to tout accomplishments, like securing the southern border. 

“Donald Trump will, of course, use this opportunity to tout all the things that he's accomplished in the past couple of months. He'll say that it's been the most productive presidency of all time, as he likes to be very hyperbolic in discussing it,” said Dr. Todd Belt, Professor and Director of the Political Management Master’s Program at The George Washington University. “He'll also do this by using what we call the Heroes Gallery, by bringing in a number of people who've been part of what he's been doing or are have an influence over what he's doing or been affected by what he's doing over the past couple of months as an example, and putting that into the narrative,” he added. 

Security at the Capitol is tight, nearby roads are closed and large security fencing has been installed around the Capitol perimeter.