Top wildest moments from presidential addresses to entire Congress, from Reagan to Biden

The Most Memorable Moments from Presidential Addresses to Congress

Presidential addresses to Congress, including State of the Union speeches, have long been significant events in American politics. These moments are not just about policy announcements but also about the raw emotions, unexpected outbursts, and unique traditions that define U.S. democracy. As President Trump prepared for a major address, history reminds us that these speeches often become unforgettable due to the reactions of those in attendance—lawmakers, guests, and even the presidents themselves. Here are some of the most wild and memorable moments from past presidential addresses.

1. Sen. Joe Manchin Defies Party Lines to Applaud Trump

In 2018, during President Trump’s first State of the Union address, Sen. Joe Manchin, a Democrat from West Virginia, broke ranks with his party and stood up to applaud several of Trump’s policy proposals. At a time when bipartisanship seemed rare, Manchin’s actions stood out, especially as most Democrats remained seated. Manchin later explained, “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 gesture, though small, was a rare display of unity in a deeply divided political climate.

2. President Biden Clashes with GOP Lawmakers in 2023

President Joe Biden’s 2023 address to Congress was marked by tension as he directly confronted Republican lawmakers over their economic plans. Biden accused some Republicans of wanting to "take the economy hostage" and criticized proposals to sunset Medicare and Social Security. His words sparked an explosive reaction from the GOP, with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy shaking his head, and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene standing up to gesture her frustration. At one point, Biden offered to share the Republican proposal with anyone who doubted him, saying, “Contact my office. I’ll give you a copy.” The exchange devolved further, with Republican jeers interrupting Biden’s speech on multiple occasions.

3. Ronald Reagan Honors a Hero in the Audience

In 1982, President Ronald Reagan made history by becoming the first president to acknowledge a guest in the audience during a State of the Union address. Just weeks earlier, Air Florida Flight 90 had crashed into the Potomac River, killing 78 people. Among the survivors was a woman rescued by Lenny Skutnik, a Congressional Budget Office employee who dove into the freezing waters to save her. Reagan honored Skutnik’s heroism, saying, “We saw the heroism of one of our young government employees, Lenny Skutnik… dived into the water and dragged her to safety.” This moment set a precedent for future presidents to recognize heroic individuals in the gallery, turning what was once a rare practice into a cherished tradition.

4. Rep. Lauren Boebert Heckles President Biden Over Afghanistan Withdrawal

During President Biden’s 2022 address, Rep. Lauren Boebert, a Republican from Colorado, caused a stir by heckling the president over his handling of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. As Biden spoke about the dangers faced by veterans exposed to toxic burn pits, Boebert shouted, “You put them in, 13 of them,” referencing the 13 U.S. service members killed during the chaotic withdrawal in 2021. Her outburst, while met with boos from some in the audience, reflected the deep partisan divisions over the withdrawal. Boebert and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene later chanted “Build the wall!” during Biden’s remarks on immigration, further disrupting the proceedings.

5. “You Lie!” – Rep. Joe Wilson’s Infamous Outburst

One of the most infamous moments in State of the Union history occurred in 2009 when Rep. Joe Wilson, a South Carolina Republican, shouted “You lie!” during President Barack Obama’s address. Obama had just stated that his proposed healthcare reforms would not cover illegal immigrants, a claim Wilson vehemently disputed. His outburst was met with shock and outrage from Democrats and even some Republicans, marking a turning point in the increasingly partisan tone of U.S. politics. Wilson later apologized, saying he had let his emotions get the better of him. Though rare at the time, such disruptions have since become more common.

6. Speaker Nancy Pelosi Tears Up Trump’s Speech

In 2020, after President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union address, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi made headlines by dramatically tearing up a copy of his speech on live television. The moment came just days after Trump’s impeachment trial in the Senate and at the end of a riff-filled speech in which Trump had criticized Democrats and celebrated conservative victories. Pelosi later explained her actions, saying, “I tore it up. I was trying to find one page with truth on it. I couldn’t.” The White House responded by calling her actions disrespectful, but Pelosi’s gesture was widely seen as a symbolic rejection of Trump’s policies and rhetoric.

These moments remind us that presidential addresses to Congress are not just about policy—they are about the passions, priorities, and divisions of the American people. While some instances have been praised for their civility and respect, others have underscored the deep polarization that defines modern U.S. politics. As future presidents take the podium, these speeches will continue to be moments of reflection, conflict, and, occasionally, wild unpredictability.