The State of the Union address is not a requirement - a report on the State of the Union is, and it is given “from time to time”. This is a trap and he shouldn’t go.
“The State of the Union address is not a requirement “
George Washington and John Adams addressed Congress.
Thomas Jefferson simply sent them a letter, as did every other President up til William Taft.
Woodrow Wilson restarted the practice of addressing Congress.
Jimmy Carter sent a letter.