So I remembered the first year Biden became a "POTUS", we were all watching if he was going to give a SoU (and yes, technically in 2021 he gave a speech to a joint session of Congress, not a SoU). He ended up giving one on April 28.
Since he is doing his SoU again in March, I went back 40 years and searched when each SoU was given.
Every SoU prior to Biden has always been Jan or Feb (at least for past 40 years). 2 of Biden's has been in March, and one in April.
What is going on here?
Biden:
March 7, 2024
February 7, 2023
Mar 1, 2022
April 28, 2021 (??)
Trump:
Feb 4, 2020
Feb 5, 2019
Jan 30, 2018
Feb 28, 2017
Obama:
Jan 12, 2016
Jan 20, 2015
Jan 28, 2014
Feb 12, 2013
Jan 24, 2012
Jan 25, 2011
Jan 27, 2010
Feb 24, 2009
Bush:
Jan. 28, 2008
Jan 23, 2007
Jan 31, 2006
Feb. 2, 2005
Jan 20, 2004
Jan 28, 2003
Jan 29, 2002
Feb 27, 2001
Clinton:
Jan 27, 2000
Jan 19, 1999
January 27, 1998
February 4, 1997
January 23, 1996
January 24, 1995
January 25, 1994
February 17, 1993
Bush:
January 28, 1992
January 29, 1991
January 31, 1990
February 9, 1989
Reagan:
January 25, 1988
January 27, 1987
February 4, 1986
February 6, 1985
January 25, 1984
January 25, 1983
January 26, 1982
January 16, 1981
One correction, the speech given on January 16, 1981 was given by Jimmy Carter just days before he left office.
Oops, you're right. So why did Reagan only get 7?
Maybe it was an agreement between him and Reagan. The attempted assassination may have also played a role. We also have to realize that the US was still dealing with the Iran Hostage Crisis and both felt it would be best if Jimmy did one final State of the Union.