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Updated on: July 16, 2026 / 9:02 AM EDT
/ CBS News
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Update: Read coverage of President Trump's speech on Thursday as it happened. Our earlier story appears below.Part of President Trump's speech Thursday night is expected to touch on previously unreported alleged Chinese meddling in U.S. elections, according to sources familiar with the matter. One component: Allegations that Beijing compromised U.S. voter data and evidence the CIA knew about the action and didn't share that information with Mr. Trump during his first term.The audience for the primetime speech is expected to include members of the president's Cabinet. Among those invited are the heads of CIA, FBI, Office of the Director of National Intelligence and Department of Homeland Security, as well as other agencies and staff. Some Cabinet members will not be there due to scheduling conflicts.Asked for comment on the contents of the president's address, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said: "As usual, anonymous sources are speculating about what President Trump will say during his speech on Thursday evening. The truth is, nobody knows yet what President Trump will ultimately say, which is why everyone should tune in."Mr. Trump announced the primetime address earlier this week and has disclosed few details on its content, though he has hinted that it will focus on elections. The president has long insisted — falsely — that the 2020 election was stolen from him due to rampant fraud.The question of Chinese involvement in the 2020 election has drawn some debate.
