Marjorie Taylor Green heckles Biden as president challenges GOP
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President Joe Biden delivered his annual State of the Union address to Congress on Tuesday night.
Among the topics he covered: the “spy balloon” diplomatic row with China; his plan to increase taxes on billionaires and corporations; police reform in the wake of the killing of Tyre Nichols; and the wars on cancer and the illegal fentanyl trade.
Mr Biden highlighted the policy successes of his administration’s first two years and – appearing feisty and combative at times – responded to repeated heckles and boos from Republican lawmakers.
Among the ruckus was Marjorie Taylor Greene who chose to scream “liar” at the president moments as he spoke about some GOP members’ plans to slash and sunset Medicare and Social Security.
At one point, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy shushed members of his own party when they interrupted Mr Biden’s tribute to a fentanyl victim.
There were bipartisan moments of applause over police reform and Ukraine as guests including Nichols’ parents and Bono looked on. The president also made efforts to highlight moments in which both parties have worked together
5 key takeaways from Biden’s combative State of the Union address
President Joe Biden delivered his latest State of the Union address to a divided Congress, attempting to make the case that they can work together. Mr Biden also tried to show that despite the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the US economy is roaring back.
At the same time, Mr Biden drew some lines in the sand and laid out areas where he would not compromise with the GOP. The president touted his record as he tested the waters for a 2024 run for the White House.
Here are five takeaways from President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address to Congress from The Independent’s Eric Garcia who was in the chamber at the US Capitol tonight.
The president toggles between the magnanimous bipartisan dealmaker and combative incumbent battling Republican heckling
Surprise! Trump tried to make Biden’s State of the Union all about himself
Bet you didn’t see that coming!
John Bowden took a look at what the former president was posting over on Truth Social.
Former president attempts to blanket media with his response but fails due to lack of Twitter presence
McCarthy doesn’t stand or applaud as Biden condemns Jan 6
When President Joe Biden condemned the January 6 Capitol riot and praised the resilience of American democracy at the beginning of his State of the Union address on Tuesday night, plenty in the House chamber stood and applauded.
McCarthy is watching his first State of the Union as Speaker of the House
Why was Bono at the State of the Union?
The guestlist for the 2023 State of the Union included the families of victims of police brutality, a hero who disarmed the mass shooter in Monterey Park and an abortion rights activist – all gathered to listen to President Joe Biden’s address.
But, one person in particular raised eyebrows when he was spotted sitting in the gallery.
U2 frontman Bono was one of 26 people personally invited to the annual event by first lady Jill Biden and he took his seat in her box next to Paul Pelosi – the husband of former House speaker Nancy Pelosi – who was savagely beaten in a hammer attack at the couple’s home.
Rock star was personally invited to the SOTU in honour of his advocacy and philanthropic work on global health and AIDS relief initiatives
Marjorie Taylor Greene shouts ‘liar’ at Biden during State of the Union
Video captured her shouting “liar!” during Mr Biden’s remarks after he accused “not even a majority” of Republicans of wanting to target the entitlement programs for service cuts.
John Bowden reports on the jarring moment.
Greene’s own far-right colleague suggested such an idea just days ago
China spy balloon: Biden says US will not let China ‘threaten our sovereignty’
In his 2023 State of the Union address on Tuesday, the US president took a moment to rattle his sabre at China
WATCH: Key moments from State of the Union
State of the Union 2023: Key moments from this year's speech
George Santos appears to have tense exchange with Mitt Romney
John Bowden reports on what was said.
‘You ought to be embarrassed’, Sen Mitt Romney appears to tell embattled Republican congressman
Tyre Nichols’ emotional parents stand to applaud Biden on police reform
During his State of the Union address on Tuesday evening, Joe Biden recognised the family of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man who was beated to death in January during a traffic stop.
“There are no words to describe the heartbreak and grief of losing a child,” Mr Biden said
Josh Marcus reports on that moment in Mr Biden’s speech.
The president has called on lawmakers to pass George Floyd Justice in Policing Act
Read Joe Biden’s State of the Union address in full
Below is the full text of President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address, as prepared for delivery.
Read President Biden’s full State of the Union address
