During his State of the Union address on Thursday, President Joe Biden found himself engaging in multiple exchanges with Republican hecklers regarding immigration.
In his speech, Biden criticized Republicans for thwarting a bipartisan border deal while simultaneously expressing concern about the situation at the border.
“We can argue about the border, or we can address the issues and find solutions. I am prepared to take action and fix it. Send me the border bill immediately,” Biden declared.
While Biden was speaking, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican from Georgia, exclaimed the name of Laken Riley, a nursing student from Georgia who was tragically killed by an undocumented immigrant.
In response, Biden held up a pin gifted to him by Greene and referred to Riley as “an innocent young woman who was killed by an illegal” — a phrase that garnered backlash from Biden’s Democratic allies.
“I empathize with you deeply, as I have personally experienced the loss of children,” expressed Biden to Riley’s parents, who were present at the event.
Biden directly criticized Trump for sabotaging the border deal.
“If my predecessor is watching, instead of engaging in political maneuvers and pressuring members of Congress to obstruct the bill, I urge them to join me in encouraging Congress to pass it. Let’s work together and get it done.”
Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., led the negotiations and was observed nodding on the floor.
Republican lawmakers in the chamber continued to vociferously express their objections to President Biden’s remarks, their voices resonating throughout the room.
According to The Washington Post, Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., responded to the Democrats’ chant of “four more years” by chanting “Trump, Trump, Trump.”
During the course of the discussion, Biden took the opportunity to criticize Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing that the former president had not fulfilled his fundamental responsibility to care for the American people. Biden’s remarks highlighted the shortcomings of Trump’s COVID response, underscoring the importance of presidential duty.
“Those are lies!” exclaimed Rep. Derrick Van Orden, a Republican from Wisconsin.
The Republicans were met with boos when Biden criticized them for implementing a tax cut that primarily benefited the ultrawealthy.
“Oh no, you guys don’t want another $2 trillion tax cut?” Biden exclaimed, a smile playing on his lips. “I had a feeling that was your plan. Well, I’m glad to hear it.”
Steve Nikoui, the father of Marine Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, who tragically lost his life during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, was escorted out and subsequently arrested for interrupting the speech. Steve Nikoui was attending the event as a guest of Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla.
“United States Marines!” he shouted, reminding everyone of Abbey Gate.
During his speech, Biden also took the opportunity to address the Supreme Court justices in attendance, expressing his criticism towards Trump’s appointment of judges who may potentially overturn the landmark case of Roe v. Wade.
“Respectfully, justices, it is important to acknowledge that women possess significant electoral and political influence,” Biden stated. “You are soon going to witness the extent of their power.”
Democrats lauded Biden’s performance following the speech.
In a video that has surfaced, Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., can be seen telling Biden that cognitive impairment will not be a topic of discussion.
“It’s challenging for anyone, regardless of age, to deliver such a remarkable performance,” expressed former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat from California, in a conversation with CNN.
“Every aspect of the Republicans’ performance was completely dominated by Joe Biden,” expressed MSNBC host Mika Brzezinski on Friday morning. “The president had an extraordinary night, and I’m not sure if the Republicans fully grasped the extent of how unfavorable they appeared.”
