[Dr. Franklin]

I understand Jimmy Carter was the last one to submit in writing his address.

Trump submitted his address in writing, and then Crazy Nancy destroyed a government document on live TV, but was never prosecuted for that.

[Dryman]

I believe Carter did the last ANNUAL SOTU. I may not be correct.

[Jamestown1630]

I’m not sure, but I think they provide a written copy even when the speech is made in person to a joint session.

But the Constitution doesn’t state that it must be ‘annual’; only that the President inform Congress ‘from time to time’ of the State of the Union, and submit to them his recommendations.

For about the first century of our history, it was simply sent as a written document.