As President Trump prepares for his upcoming State of the Union address, we reflect on five of the most memorable moments in the history of this annual event.
President Donald Trump is set to deliver his first official State of the Union address of his second term on Tuesday night before a joint session of Congress. As viewers tune in, many will be on the lookout for viral moments and headline-grabbing exchanges reminiscent of those that have defined past speeches.
One of the most notable moments in State of the Union history occurred during President Ronald Reagan’s 1982 address. This event marked the first time a president publicly acknowledged guests in the audience, a practice that has since become commonplace. Reagan’s speech took place just weeks after the tragic crash of Air Florida Flight 90, which killed 78 people when it struck Washington’s 14th Street Bridge shortly after takeoff.
Among the few survivors of the crash was Lenny Skutnik, a Congressional Budget Office assistant who heroically jumped into the icy waters to rescue a woman who had lost her grip on a helicopter line. Reagan honored Skutnik during his address, highlighting the spirit of American heroism. “Just two weeks ago, in the midst of a terrible tragedy on the Potomac, we saw again the spirit of American heroism at its finest,” Reagan said. “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.”
Fast forward to February 2020, when Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi made headlines for tearing up President Trump’s speech after he concluded his address. This dramatic act sparked a social media firestorm and solidified her place in State of the Union infamy. When asked why she did it, Pelosi responded, “Because it was the courteous thing to do considering the alternatives.” She added, “I tore it up. I was trying to find one page with truth on it.”
Pelosi’s actions came shortly after Trump’s first impeachment trial, which ended in a Senate acquittal the day after the address. The White House later tweeted, “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 member’s reunion with his family. That’s her legacy,” referencing individuals mentioned by Trump during his speech.
Another unforgettable moment occurred during President Barack Obama’s 2009 address when South Carolina Republican Rep. Joe Wilson interrupted him, shouting, “You lie!” This outburst was particularly striking as such interruptions were far less common at the time. Wilson’s comment came as Obama discussed his controversial healthcare reform, specifically addressing claims that it would cover illegal immigrants.
Following the incident, Wilson issued a written apology to Obama’s chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, stating, “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.”
In recent years, the tone of State of the Union addresses has continued to evolve, with moments of tension becoming more frequent. During President Biden’s address, Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert shouted at him regarding the deaths of U.S. service members due to toxic burn pits during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Boebert, who wore an outfit emblazoned with “Drill Baby Drill,” drew boos from the audience as she interrupted Biden’s remarks.
As Biden spoke about immigration, Boebert and fellow Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene chanted “build the wall,” further contributing to the charged atmosphere. Biden addressed the crowd, saying, “Some of my Republican friends want to take the economy hostage — I get it — unless I agree to their economic plans,” prompting visible reactions from members of Congress, including then-GOP House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Biden’s speech was marked by interruptions, with Republicans jeering as he discussed Medicare and Social Security, leading to a heated exchange. “Instead of making the wealthy pay their fair share, some Republicans want Medicare and Social Security to sunset,” he stated, eliciting further backlash from the audience.
As we anticipate Trump’s upcoming address, it is clear that the State of the Union continues to be a platform for both policy discussion and dramatic moments that capture the nation’s attention, reflecting the evolving nature of American politics.
According to Fox News, these moments serve as a reminder of the significance and impact of the State of the Union address in American political discourse.