President Biden’s appearance before a divided Congress on Thursday night was anything but typical. The atmosphere in the chamber was rowdy, with Republicans jeering and Democrats cheering as the president delivered a feisty, confrontational speech.
The president’s address was marked by unscripted back-and-forth with lawmakers, including former Representative George Santos, who made a splashy return to the House floor dressed in a crystal-encrusted collar and sparkling shoes. Santos, who was expelled from Congress last year, announced his intention to run for Congress again, adding to the drama of the evening.
Republicans in the chamber appeared more like attendees at a rally for former President Donald Trump, with some wearing Trump-themed attire and engaging in heated exchanges with the president. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, known for her hard-right views, made a one-woman political protest during the speech, drawing attention to a tragic incident involving a Venezuelan migrant.
The president’s off-script remarks, including his use of the term “illegal,” sparked immediate pushback from progressives in the audience. Despite the contentious moments, Democrats remained energized and supportive of Mr. Biden, with chants of “four more years!” and standing ovations punctuating his speech.
As the evening came to a close, President Biden stayed behind to shake hands and chat with lawmakers, leaving a lasting impression on those in attendance. The raucous nature of the event was a departure from the typically staid State of the Union address, making it a night to remember in Washington.
