United States President Donald Trump is set to deliver a rare primetime address on Thursday night, promising what he described as "really big news" without revealing specific details. The surprise speech, announced on Tuesday, is expected to focus on elections and "a couple of other things," according to Trump.

Trump emphasized the importance of free and fair elections, stating, "It doesn’t get bigger, because without free and fair elections, you don’t have a country." He declined to elaborate further, saying he wanted to "save it" for the speech, which he characterized as a "very big announcement."

The White House has confirmed the address will center on elections, including references to the 2020 presidential election and perceived vulnerabilities in US voting machines. The speech is scheduled for Thursday at 9 pm US Eastern Time (01:00 GMT Friday) and is expected to be carried live by major US television networks. It will also be available via livestream on WhiteHouse.gov and the White House’s YouTube page.

The timing of the speech is significant, occurring just three and a half months before the November 3 midterm elections, where control of Congress is at stake. Trump's Republican Party currently holds narrow majorities in both chambers, but Democrats aim to gain ground, potentially capitalizing on backlash against his second term. Critics express concern that Trump might use the address to undermine confidence in the upcoming elections or to assert federal authority over state-level election administration.

There is also speculation that the speech could be an effort to energize his base, particularly in light of recent polling data. A YouGov survey this month indicated that over 57 percent of US voters disapprove of the president's performance during his second term.

While the exact content remains undisclosed, the focus on elections, particularly the 2020 results and voting machine integrity, suggests a potential effort to reinforce his narrative surrounding that election. This comes as the White House continues its scrutiny of past election processes and advocates for new voting restrictions.

The address marks a departure from typical presidential communication, as such primetime speeches are often reserved for major national addresses or significant policy announcements. Trump's decision to hold a special address for this topic underscores its perceived importance to his administration.

Further details about the speech's content and its potential impact on the upcoming midterm elections are anticipated following the broadcast.