Chief Justice John Roberts has found himself "barely invited" to this year's State of the Union, signaling another year where the judiciary's delicate balance with the executive is the evening's silent subplot. Meanwhile, the rest of America is invited to engage in the quasi-annual tradition of the State of the Union Drinking Game, courtesy of Above the Law. This year, it’s not just about laughs but a coping mechanism for watching constitutional order challenged by what some call "sundowning fascism."

This year, President Trump's strained relationship with the Supreme Court justices takes center stage. After publicly chastising Justices who opposed his tariffs, suggesting they were an "embarrassment to their families," the atmosphere is ripe for a dramatic State of the Union. This unique drinking game offers a sip for every absent Supreme Court Justice – a probable nod to the ongoing rift.

As usual, the rules are simple yet reflective of the current political climate. Take a sip whenever a Supreme Court Justice is named - a likely scenario given Trump’s history of personal shout-outs and call-outs during such speeches. The game peaks if Trump mentions landmark decisions like Roe v. Wade or Obergefell, with participants instructed to finish their drinks if he dredges up the historic Marbury v. Madison.

The drinking game also targets Trump’s broader contentious relationship with the judiciary. With attacks on lower court judges and controversial appointments of figures like Alina Habba and Lindsey Halligan, participants are expected to stay hydrated with sips of water—mocking the illegitimacy of these appointments.

Presidential claims and controversies are also fair game. Whether Trump takes credit for non-existent peace deals or dangles threats of lawsuits that he doesn’t have time to attend to, the game covers a wide array of typical Trumpian rhetoric. Not to miss is the potential for a drink-finishing moment if Trump claims he’s prevented or ended wars – the number of which seems to inflate with each speech.

Adding a layer of absurdity, if Trump appears wearing a Nobel Peace Prize medal he never won, it’s an immediate cue to finish your drink. This bizarre scenario underscores the surreal nature of today’s political spectacle, which often blends the lines between reality and parody.

In a nod to the ever-evolving lexicon of Trump’s presidency, the game includes sips for mentions of his legal adversaries and any references to an ongoing legal "witch hunt." The game is not just a humorous engagement but a satirical reflection on the state of U.S. politics, where the lines between a judicial proceeding and a television drama blur.

As the nation braces for the 2026 State of the Union, this drinking game offers a mix of satire, disbelief, and a communal experience of constitutional resilience—or its erosion, depending on one’s viewpoint. It’s not just a game; it's a reflection of the times, served with a side of your preferred beverage. Whether you're sipping iced coffee or something stronger, tonight’s address promises to be as eventful as ever.