Top wildest moments from presidential addresses to entire Congress, from Reagan to Biden
President Trump is set to deliver his first address to a joint session of Congress since taking office in January, and as we anticipate the upcoming event, let’s take a look back at some of the wildest moments from past presidential addresses to Congress.
In 2018, Democratic Senator Joe Manchin made headlines when he stood and applauded President Trump during his State of the Union address. Manchin, known for his independent streak, explained that his actions were a sign of respect and civility, values instilled in him while growing up in West Virginia. Despite being a member of the opposing party, Manchin’s gesture of bipartisanship resonated with many Americans.
Fast forward to 2023, President Biden faced a rowdy crowd during his address to Congress, with Republican lawmakers jeering and booing him as he criticized their economic plans. The tension in the room was palpable as Biden called out GOP members for wanting to sunset Medicare and Social Security, prompting a strong reaction from the audience. The scene underscored the deep political divide in Washington at the time.
In 1982, President Ronald Reagan surprised the crowd by acknowledging a guest in the audience for the first time during a State of the Union address. Lenny Skutnik, a government employee who had heroically rescued crash victims from the Potomac River, was honored by Reagan in his speech. This moment marked the beginning of a tradition where presidents recognize ordinary Americans for their extraordinary acts of heroism.
During the 2022 address, Republican Representative Lauren Boebert heckled President Biden over his handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, shouting accusations and disrupting the proceedings. Boebert’s outburst, along with fellow GOP member Marjorie Taylor Greene chanting “build the wall” during Biden’s immigration remarks, added to the chaotic atmosphere of the event.
In a memorable incident from 2009, South Carolina GOP Congressman Joe Wilson infamously yelled “You lie!” during President Obama’s address, breaking decorum and shocking the audience. Wilson later apologized for his outburst, acknowledging that his comments were inappropriate and regrettable.
Perhaps one of the most iconic moments in recent history occurred during the 2020 State of the Union address when Speaker Nancy Pelosi ripped up President Trump’s speech after he had finished speaking. Pelosi’s symbolic gesture, tearing the speech into pieces, sparked controversy and divided opinions across the country. The act served as a stark reminder of the deep animosity between the two political parties during that time.
As we look back at these wild moments from past presidential addresses, we are reminded of the intense emotions, political divisions, and moments of unity that have defined these historic events. Each address to Congress is a reflection of the times we live in and a testament to the power of democracy in action.
