Wild Moments from Past Presidential Addresses to Congress
President Trump is gearing up to address a joint session of Congress for the first time since taking office this January. As anticipation builds, it’s worth remembering some of the most memorable, and sometimes outrageous, moments from past presidential addresses. These instances of dissent, surprise, and outright defiance highlight the intense political theater that often unfolds during these high-profile events.
Joe Manchin Breaks Ranks to Applaud Trump (2018)
In 2018, then-Democratic Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia caused a stir when he openly applauded President Trump’s policy proposals during Trump’s first State of the Union address. While many Democrats remained seated, Manchin stood not only when Trump entered the chamber, but also during specific policy announcements. This act of perceived defiance against his own party quickly went viral.
Manchin defended his actions, explaining that he was raised to show respect, especially in a setting like the State of the Union. He emphasized the importance of civility in political discourse, stating, "That’s the way I was raised in West Virginia. We have respect. There is some civility still yet. There should be civility in this place." His willingness to break ranks and acknowledge points of agreement with the opposing party resonated with some but drew criticism from others who felt he was legitimizing Trump’s agenda.
Biden’s 2023 Address Met with Republican Jeers
President Biden’s 2023 address to Congress was marked by significant heckling and interruptions from Republican lawmakers. The tension escalated when Biden accused some Republicans of wanting to hold the economy "hostage" unless their economic plans were adopted. This drew visible reactions, including head-shaking from then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
The situation intensified when Biden claimed that some Republicans wanted Medicare and Social Security to "sunset," leading to louder jeers and McCarthy mouthing "no." Despite Biden clarifying that he wasn’t referring to the majority of Republicans, the crowd’s uproar continued. Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene even stood up and made gestures of frustration.
Biden attempted to address the dissent, offering to provide anyone with a copy of the proposal he was referencing. However, the Republican outrage continued to disrupt his speech, highlighting the deep partisan divide and the increasingly hostile atmosphere of these addresses. The back-and-forth exemplified the raw emotion and political maneuvering that often accompany these events.
Reagan’s Groundbreaking Acknowledgment of a Guest (1982)
While acknowledging guests in the audience is now a common practice during presidential addresses, it was President Ronald Reagan who first introduced the concept in his 1982 address. Reagan’s speech took place shortly after the tragic Air Florida Flight 90 crash, which claimed the lives of 78 people.
Amidst the tragedy, acts of heroism emerged. Lenny Skutnik, a Congressional Budget Office assistant, bravely dove into the icy Potomac River to rescue a survivor. Reagan honored Skutnik’s bravery in his address, saying, "Just 2 weeks ago, in the midst of a terrible tragedy on the Potomac, we saw again the spirit of American heroism at its finest – the heroism of dedicated rescue workers saving crash victims from icy waters. And we saw the heroism of one of our young government employees, Lenny Skutnik, who, when he saw a woman lose her grip on the helicopter line, dived into the water and dragged her to safety."
This simple act of recognition transformed the dynamic of presidential addresses, making them more personal and allowing presidents to connect with the audience on a deeper level by highlighting individual stories of courage and resilience.
Boebert’s Heckling During Biden’s 2022 Address
Representative Lauren Boebert’s outburst during President Biden’s 2022 State of the Union address drew significant attention and criticism. As Biden spoke about Afghanistan veterans exposed to toxic burn pits, Boebert interrupted him, shouting, "You put them in, 13 of them." She was referencing the 13 U.S. service members killed during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
Boebert’s actions were seen as disrespectful and inappropriate by many, especially considering the sensitive topic of fallen service members. Her attire, which featured the slogan "Drill Baby Drill" in opposition to Biden’s energy policies, further underscored the partisan nature of her protest. She and Greene even began chanting "build the wall" during the portion of the speech that discussed immigration.
Joe Wilson’s Infamous "You Lie!" (2009)
One of the most infamous outbursts in State of the Union history occurred in 2009 when Republican Congressman Joe Wilson of South Carolina directly challenged President Obama’s remarks on healthcare reform. As Obama stated that his proposed reforms would not apply to undocumented immigrants, Wilson shouted from his seat, "You lie!"
Wilson’s outburst was unprecedented at the time, as directly accusing the President of lying during such a formal address was considered a major breach of protocol. The chamber erupted in yelling, highlighting the intense political divisions surrounding the Affordable Care Act, or "Obamacare."
Wilson later issued an apology to Obama’s chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, acknowledging that his comments were "inappropriate and regrettable." He stated, "This evening I let my emotions get the best of me when listening to the president’s remarks regarding the coverage of illegal immigrants in the health care bill. While I disagree with the president’s statement, my comments were inappropriate and regrettable. I extend sincere apologies to the president for this lack of civility."
Pelosi Tears Up Trump’s 2020 Speech
In a dramatic display of defiance, then-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi tore up President Trump’s 2020 State of the Union address immediately after he finished speaking. The gesture, caught on camera, quickly went viral and sparked a heated debate.
When asked about her actions, Pelosi stated, "Because it was the courteous thing to do considering the alternatives. I tore it up. I was trying to find one page with truth on it. I couldn’t."
Pelosi’s act came on the heels of Trump’s first impeachment trial, which had concluded with a Senate acquittal the day after the speech. The White House responded by tweeting, "Speaker Pelosi just ripped up: One of our last surviving Tuskegee Airmen. The survival of a child born at 21 weeks. The mourning families of Rocky Jones and Kayla Mueller. A service members reunion with his family. That’s her legacy," referencing individuals who Trump had mentioned during his address.
These moments, spanning several presidencies and representing a range of behaviors, demonstrate the inherent drama and political volatility that can surface during presidential addresses to Congress. They serve as reminders that these events are not merely formal speeches, but also platforms for political expression, dissent, and, at times, unforgettable outbursts. They also reflect the ever-changing political climate and the growing polarization of American politics.
