State of the Union 2023 – live: MTG yells ‘liar’ at Biden during address as Bono, Tyre Nichols’ family look on

President Joe Biden delivered his annual State of the Union address to Congress on Tuesday night.

Among the topics he covered: the “spy balloon” diplomatic row with China; his plan to increase taxes on billionaires and corporations; police reform in the wake of the killing of Tyre Nichols; and the wars on cancer and the illegal fentanyl trade.

Mr Biden highlighted the policy successes of his administration’s first two years and – appearing feisty and combative at times – responded to repeated heckles and boos from Republican lawmakers.

Among the ruckus was Marjorie Taylor Greene who chose to scream “liar” at the president moments as he spoke about some GOP members’ plans to slash and sunset Medicare and Social Security.

At one point, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy shushed members of his own party when they interrupted Mr Biden’s tribute to a fentanyl victim.

There were bipartisan moments of applause over police reform and Ukraine as guests including Nichols’ parents and Bono looked on. The president also made efforts to highlight moments in which both parties have worked together

Key Points

• Biden stares down Republican hecklers in feisty State of the Union

• Five takeaways from Biden’s 2023 combative State of the Union address

• Marjorie Taylor Greene heckles Biden during State of the Union

• GOP lawmaker shushed after heckling Biden tribute to fentanyl victim

• Biden on downing Chinese spy balloon: ‘We will protect our country’

Tyre Nichols’ emotional parents stand to applaud Biden on police reform

10:00 , Oliver O'Connell

During his State of the Union address on Tuesday evening, Joe Biden recognised the family of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man who was beated to death in January during a traffic stop.

“There are no words to describe the heartbreak and grief of losing a child,” Mr Biden said

Josh Marcus reports on that moment in Mr Biden’s speech.

Tyre Nichols’ emotional parents stand to applaud Biden as calls for accountability

Read Joe Biden’s State of the Union address in full

09:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Below is the full text of President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address, as prepared for delivery.

State of the Union: Read Joe Biden’s full address

Migrant crossings at US border drop to lowest level in two years

08:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Border Patrol agents encountered less than 130,000 undocumented migrants at the southern border in January, the lowest level in two years, according to statistics from the Department of Homeland Security.

Overall border crossings fell from a record monthly high of 250,000 in December to 156,000, according to the data.

Josh Marcus reports.

Migrant crossings at US border drop to lowest level in two years

Bernie Sanders commended as only lawmaker to wear a mask at State of Union

07:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Sen Bernie Sanders of Vermont was heralded for protecting himself and others by wearing a KN95 mask at Tuesday night’s State of the Union address.

At 81 years old, Mr Sanders is at higher risk of serious illness should he contract Covid — a possibility at a crowded indoor event where it appeared no one else decided to wear a mask. Twitter users in particular were full of praise for the Vermont progressive’s willingness to stand out in the crowd.

Abe Asher reports.

Bernie Sanders commended as only lawmaker at wear a mask to the State of the Union

Romney told George Santos he doesn’t belong in Congress during tense exchange

06:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Freshman Congressman George Santos was confronted by Mitt Romney, the anti-Trump Republican senator from Utah, on Tuesday as the embattled representative arrived in the House chamber for President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address.

John Bowden has the story of what went down in the House chamber.

Romney told George Santos he doesn’t belong in Congress during tense exchange

Here’s why members of Congress are wearing special pins at the State of the Union

06:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and a number of other Democrats attending the State of the Union address wore black pins with the year 1870 on them in reference to the year the first free, unarmed Black person was killed by a police officer.

The action by the CBC comes in the wake of the death of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old man who was brutally beaten by Memphis police officers following a traffic stop in early January. He died in a hospital three days later.

Abe Asher has the details.

Members of Congress are wearing special pins at the State of the Union – here’s why

How progressives responded to the soft launch of Biden’s 2024 run

06:15 , Oliver O'Connell

President Joe Biden addressed Congress for his second State of the Union on Tuesday at a time when many in his own party are beginning to question whether he’s their man for 2024.

John Bowden reports.

How progressives responded to Joe Biden’s State of the Union

Who is State of the Union guest Brandon Tsay?

06:00 , Oliver O'Connell

When Joe Biden delivers his second State of the Union address to Congress on Tuesday evening, he will do so before an audience of legislators who have each brought along a special guest from their constituencies.

Among the most prominent this time will be RowVaughn and Rodney Wells, grieving parents of the slain Tyre Nichols, the recovering Paul Pelosi and the Irish rock star and campaigner Bono.

Undoubtedly one of the most astonishing is Brandon Tsay, the 26-year-old hero of the Monterey Park mass shooting.

Joe Sommerlad explains why Mr Tsay was there.

Who is State of the Union guest Brandon Tsay, hero of the Monterey Park shooting?

Huckabee Sanders says Biden has given into ‘woke mob’ in hardcore culture war speech

05:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders accused President Joe Biden of being a slave to a “woke mob” in the Republican response to the president’s State of the Union address that leaned heavily on social conservatism that has animated much of the GOP.

Ms Sanders, who won her election last year, served as former president Donald Trump’s press secretary and touched on her time in that role during her speech. But for the most part, she said Mr Biden was putting America on poor footing.

She noted how she was the youngest governor in the country while Mr Biden was the oldest president in history, a record previously held by Mr Trump.

Eric Garcia watched Ms Sanders’ speech.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders says Biden has given into ‘woke mob’ in SOTU response

Biden stares down Republican hecklers in feisty State of the Union

05:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Within the first few minutes of President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address, it was clear the speech he would deliver Tuesday night was not the partisan diatribe some presidents have delivered at the outset of a period of divided government in years past.

Instead of the standard pleasantries presidents have used to begin the annual ritual for decades, Mr Biden opened with a joke.

Andrew Feinberg, The Independent’s White House correspondent, unpacks Mr Biden’s speech.

Biden stares down Republican hecklers in feisty State of the Union speech

China spy balloon: Biden says US will not let China ‘threaten our sovereignty’

05:15 , Oliver O'Connell

US president Joe Biden has said he will act to defend his country’s “sovereignty” after shooting down a suspected Chinese spy balloon over the weekend.

In his State of the Union address to Congress on Tuesday evening, Mr Biden said he wanted “competition, not conflict” with China, but struck a combative tone towards any violations of US airspace.

Io Dodds reports.

Joe Biden says US won’t let China ‘threaten sovereignty’ after downing spy balloon

05:07 , Oliver O'Connell

McCarthy doesn’t stand or applaud as Biden condemns Jan 6 riot

04:58 , Oliver O'Connell

When President Joe Biden condemned the January 6 Capitol riot and praised the resilience of American democracy at the beginning of his State of the Union address on Tuesday night, plenty in the House chamber stood and applauded.

Kevin McCarthy, the Speaker of the House, did not.

Abe Asher watched the speech.

Kevin McCarthy doesn’t stand or applaud as Biden condemns Jan 6 riot

VOICES: At the State of the Union, Republicans showed who they really are – and it wasn’t pretty

04:52 , Oliver O'Connell

Holly Baxter writes:

Like most State of the Union speeches, this one was notable not for its content but for the drama that was unleashed on the margins. It began with a CNN report that Mitt Romney went up to George Santos in the chamber and told him, “You don’t belong here,” and it ended with Marjorie Taylor Greene heckling while dressed as Cruella de Vil.

But let’s rewind.

At the State of the Union, Republicans showed who they really are

Surprise! Trump tried to make Biden’s State of the Union all about himself

04:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Bet you didn’t see that coming!

John Bowden took a look at what the former president was posting over on Truth Social.

Trump predictably tries to make Biden’s State of the Union all about himself

McCarthy shushes ‘classless’ Republican lawmaker for interrupting Biden tribute to fentanyl victim

04:30 , Oliver O'Connell

US Republican leader Kevin McCarthy was forced to shush hecklers in his own party as they interrupted President Joe Biden’s tribute to a fentanyl victim.

The newly-elected speaker of the House of Representatives could be seen pursing his lips to quiet his GOP colleagues during one testy moment of Mr Biden’s State of the Union address on Tuesday evening.

The heckling came as Mr Biden honoured Courtney Griffin of New Hampshire, who died in 2014 of a fentanyl overdose at the age of 20, and whose father Doug Griffin was in attendance at the speech.

Io Dodds reports on the moment.

Kevin McCarthy shushes GOP lawmaker for interrupting Biden tribute to fentanyl victim

Biden responds to heckling on Twitter

04:17 , Oliver O'Connell

President Joe Biden responds to the speech heckling on Twitter, reiterating his adlibbed line: “I welcome all converts.”

5 key takeaways from Biden’s combative State of the Union address

04:15 , Oliver O'Connell

President Joe Biden delivered his latest State of the Union address to a divided Congress, attempting to make the case that they can work together. Mr Biden also tried to show that despite the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the US economy is roaring back.

At the same time, Mr Biden drew some lines in the sand and laid out areas where he would not compromise with the GOP. The president touted his record as he tested the waters for a 2024 run for the White House.

Here are five takeaways from President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address to Congress from The Independent’s Eric Garcia who was in the chamber at the US Capitol tonight.

Five takeaways and fact check from Biden’s State of the Union

Pelosi says hecklers ‘protest too much'

04:13 , Oliver O'Connell

In an appearance on CNN, former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi was asked about the Republican heckling during the speech: “I think they were protesting too much. It is part of who they are.”

She went on to describe it as “showbiz” and added: “For them, they were fairly well behaved.”

Of the speech, she was full of praise for Joe Biden: “We wanted a hopeful message and that’s what he gave us.”

Asked if he might face a challenge from another Democrat in 2024, she says: “No, I don’t.”

“He’s a unifier.”

Tyre Nichols’ emotional parents stand to applaud Biden on police reform

03:58 , Oliver O'Connell

During his State of the Union address on Tuesday evening, Joe Biden recognised the family of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man who was beated to death in January during a traffic stop.

“There are no words to describe the heartbreak and grief of losing a child,” Mr Biden said

Josh Marcus reports.

Tyre Nichols’ emotional parents stand to applaud Biden as calls for accountability

Marjorie Taylor Greene shouts ‘liar’ at Biden during State of the Union

03:38 , Oliver O'Connell

Georgia Congreswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene was one of the Republicans who took strong offence to Joe Biden’s assertion that parts of the GOP wanted to make cuts to Social Security and Medicare, at his State of the Union address on Tuesday.

Video captured her shouting “liar!” during Mr Biden’s remarks after he accused “not even a majority” of Republicans of wanting to target the entitlement programs for service cuts.

John Bowden has the story.

Marjorie Taylor Greene shouts ‘liar’ at Biden during State of the Union

03:23 , Oliver O'Connell

Biden begins to wrap up by saying: “Democracy must not be a partisan issue. It must be an American issue.”

“Because the soul of this nation is strong, because the backbone of this nation is strong, because the people of this nation are strong, the State of the Union is strong,” Biden says, concluding the State of the Union.

03:22 , Oliver O'Connell

Biden says the “unhinged big lie” of Janaury 6 was echoed by the attack against Paul Pelosi.

Some House Republicans do not join the standing ovation for Mr Pelosi who is sitting in the upper area of the chamber with First Lady Jill Biden.

03:20 , Oliver O'Connell

Biden turns his attention to the war on cancer, introducing two parents whose daughter survived a battle with cancer.

03:18 , Oliver O'Connell

Biden calls for bipartisan legislation “to stop Big Tech from collecting personal data on kids and teenagers online” and hold social media companies “accountable”.

03:16 , Oliver O'Connell

The Independent’s Andrew Feinberg notes:

“President Biden, whose own son suffers from addiction, took time to recognize a father who lost a child to fentanyl. Some GOP members decided that would be a good time to heckle him. That may get them on Fox News later, but it’s not a good look for the rest of the country.”

03:15 , Oliver O'Connell

During a section on the opioid and fentanyl crisis a House Republican yells “it’s your fault” when he brings up deaths from the drugs.

“Let’s launch a major surge to stop fentanyl production, sale, and trafficking, with more drug detection machines to inspect cargo and stop pills and powder at the border.”

This earns applause from Speaker McCarthy.

03:12 , Oliver O'Connell

Earlier Biden mentioned passing new laws to strengthen the rights of LGBTQ Americans.

03:11 , Oliver O'Connell

“As we made clear last week, if China’s threatens our sovereignty we will act to protect our country. And we did!”

“It’s never ever been a good bet to bet against America. Ever.”

There are chants of USA! USA! USA!

03:10 , Oliver O'Connell

China mentions the Chinese spy balloon and the action to take care of it by shooting it down.

Majorie Taylor Greene screams “China’s spying on us,” which leads to some telling her to shush.

03:08 , Oliver O'Connell

“One year ago, I reported to the nation just days after Vladimir Putin unleashed an unprovoked war against Ukraine. It was a test for the world: would we stand for the defense of democracy? Today, we know the answer. Yes, we would.”

Marjorie Taylor Greene, Boebert, Gaetz and other Republicans stay seated when Biden talks about defending democracy and Ukraine. Plenty of other Republicans get on their feet.

03:07 , Oliver O'Connell

Biden mentions immigration and the need for bipartisan action.

There are chants of “secure the border” from House Republicans.

03:05 , Oliver O'Connell

There is also rapturous applause for an assault weapon ban from Democrats after hearing the story of Brandon Tsay, the hero who subdued a gunman at his parents’ dance studio.

03:01 , Oliver O'Connell

President Biden says that when police officers or departments violate the public’s trust, they must be held accountable.

Speaker Kevin McCarthy joins the standing ovation.

02:59 , Oliver O'Connell

02:59 , Oliver O'Connell

“We have an obligation to make sure all people are safe. Public safety depends on public trust as all of us know. But too often that trust is violated,” says Mr Biden before introducting Tyre Nichols’s parents who are in the First Lady’s box just a week after burying their son who died after being severely beaten by police.

Almost unanimous applause and a standing ovation from the chamber.

02:57 , Oliver O'Connell

02:55 , Oliver O'Connell

“12 years of education is not enough to win the economic competition of the 21st century. If you want to have the best-educated workforce, let’s finish the job by providing access to preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds.”

02:52 , Oliver O'Connell

“Pass my plan so we get seniors and people with disabilities the home care services they need and support the workers who are doing God’s work.”

02:51 , Oliver O'Connell

“We reduced exorbitant bank overdraft fees, saving consumers more than $1 billion a year. Let’s finish the job. Pass the Junk Fee Prevention Act to stop hotels and airlines, cable and internet companies, and online ticket sellers from ripping Americans off.”

02:51 , Oliver O'Connell

Senator Amy Klobuchar is thrilled that her legislative priorities are brought up throughout Biden’s speech.

“President just brought up my bipartisan shipping bill, antitrust tech bills AND ticketing issue! Momentum!”

Watch: Marjorie Taylor Greene shouts ‘Liar'

02:50 , Oliver O'Connell

02:47 , Oliver O'Connell

02:46 , Oliver O'Connell

The booing felt tense, but Biden appeared to take it in his stride.

Biden says so we all agree, Medicare and Social Security are off the table?

He gets a standing ovation.

02:44 , Oliver O'Connell

Biden mentions Trump adding to the deficit.

“Under the previous administration, America’s deficit went up four years in a row,” he says. “Because of those record deficits, no president added more to the national debt in any four years than my predecessor.”

There are boos from a number of Republicans.

Lots of shouts of “Liar” from Republicans when Biden says Republicans want to alter social security and medicare.

Rep Majorie Taylor Greene is seen shouting.

02:40 , Oliver O'Connell

Lots of reaction to the section on billionaires and corporations paying taxes.

Ted Cruz applauds when Biden says “The Tax system is not fair.” So do Matt Gaetz and Lauren Boebert.

Rashida Tlaib cheers on Biden when talking about taxing the rich, saying “Tell ‘em”.

02:37 , Oliver O'Connell

The Independent’s Andrew Feinberg notes:

“Biden has never been the most polished speaker, but tonight he’s relaxed, confident and sufficiently at ease to the point where he’s going off-prompter to crack jokes. He’s clearly enjoying himself.”

02:35 , Oliver O'Connell

Biden directly addresses GOP members who want to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act and its cost-saving measures for prescription drugs for seniors.

“Make no mistake, if you try anything to raise the cost of prescription drugs, I will veto it,” he says.

02:31 , Oliver O'Connell

Biden mentions the insulin cap. Democrats tried to pass a cap on insulin in the Inflation Reduction Act but the Senate Parliamentarian only allowed it for Medicare recipients.

“Let’s finish the job this time. Let’s cap the cost of insulin at $35 a month for every American who needs it.”

02:28 , Oliver O'Connell

Matt Gaetz applauds when Biden says “Tonight, I’m also announcing new standards to require all construction materials used in federal infrastructure projects to be made in America.”

02:27 , Oliver O'Connell

Biden gives a shout out to union iron worker Saria who is looking forward to working on the new bridge over the Ohio River.

02:26 , Oliver O'Connell

02:24 , Oliver O'Connell

“Now we’re coming back because we came together to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the largest investment in infrastructure since President Eisenhower’s Interstate Highway System.”

Biden takes a swipe at Republicans saying “And to my Republican friends who voted against it but still ask to fund projects in their districts, don’t worry. I promised to be the president for all Americans.”

02:22 , Oliver O'Connell

“I’ve been criticized for saying this but I’m not changing my view: We’re gonna make sure that the supply chain for America begins in America.”

State of the Union 2023: Read the full speech

02:21 , Oliver O'Connell

Below is the full text of President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address, as prepared for delivery.

State of the Union: Read Joe Biden’s full address

02:21 , Oliver O'Connell

02:20 , Oliver O'Connell

Labor Secretary (and designated survivor) Marty Walsh comments on the Biden economic record:

02:18 , Oliver O'Connell

“I ran for President to fundamentally change things, to make sure the economy works for everyone so we can all feel that pride in what we do.”

Biden mentions unemployment “at 3.4%, a 50-year low. Near record low unemployment for Black and Hispanic workers.”

02:16 , Oliver O'Connell

“Two years ago, Covid had shut down our businesses, closed our schools, and robbed us of so much. Today, Covid no longer controls our lives.”

“Two years ago, our democracy faced its greatest threat since the Civil War. Today, though bruised, our democracy remains unbowed and unbroken.”

“You know, we’re often told that Democrats and Republicans can’t work together. But over these past two years, we proved the cynics and the naysayers wrong... Time and again, Democrats and Republicans came together.”

“In fact, I signed over 300 bipartisan laws since becoming President”

02:13 , Oliver O'Connell

Biden says the economy has created “a record 12 million new jobs, more jobs created in two years than any president has ever created in four years.”

02:12 , Oliver O'Connell

More congratulations:

- Hakeen Jeffries, as the first Black House minority leader

- Mitch McConnell, as the longest-serving Senate leader

- Chuck Schumer, for increasing his majority

- Nancy Pelosi, who he says “will be considered the greatest Speaker in the history of this country”.

02:11 , Oliver O'Connell

Speaker Kevin McCarthy introduces the President of the United States saying it is a distinct honour.

The president begins by congratulating Mr McCarthy on his new position as speaker.

02:07 , Oliver O'Connell

The president is led in by the House and Senate Sergeants at Arms.

Biden enters the chamber to a round of applause

02:07 , Oliver O'Connell

President Joe Biden enters the chamber to a loud round of applause.

There are cheerful greetings from lawmakers lining the centre aisle.

He is followed by Senator Chuck Schumer and Senator Cory Booker.

Rep George Santos who had secured an aisle seat made eye contact with President Biden but they did not shake hands.

What progressives want to hear from a president preparing for 2024

02:01 , Oliver O'Connell

Representatives of two progressive groups who spoke to The Independent ahead of Tuesday night’s prime-time event agreed that it was Mr Biden’s first opportunity — and test — to appear like his party’s standard-bearer ahead of the next presidential election cycle.

Here’s what they said.

What progressives want to hear from State of the Union as Biden prepares for 2024

01:58 , Oliver O'Connell

After the entrance of the Supreme Court Justices and the first lady, the cabinet enters the chamber, shaking hands with lawmakers as they make their way down the aisle.

Designated Survivor tonight is Marty Walsh

01:56 , Oliver O'Connell

Labor Secretary Marty Walsh is the designated survivor tonight.

Harris and McCarthy chatting ahead of speech

01:55 , Oliver O'Connell

What will Biden say in his State of the Union speech?

01:50 , Oliver O'Connell

President Joe Biden will use his second State of the Union address to call on Congress to continue enacting the kinds of significant bipartisan legislation that formed the backbone of his legislative programme in 2021 and 2022, and to eschew the partisan rancor that has been typical of divided government in America over the last few decades.

Andrew Feinberg previews the president’s remarks.

Biden SOTU will urge Congress to ‘finish the job’ with ‘blue-collar blueprint’

In pictures: Congress gathers for State of the Union

01:47 , Oliver O'Connell

Is Biden running for president in 2024?

01:45 , Oliver O'Connell

It’s worth asking if he will indeed be a candidate in the next presidential election.

The answer to that question, however, is almost certainly yes, writes Andrew Feinberg.

Will Joe Biden run for president in 2024?

Watch — Biden: State of the Union ‘great shape’ and ‘getting better’

01:42 , Oliver O'Connell

Voices: Who to keep an eye on during the speech

01:40 , Oliver O'Connell

Eric Garcia reports from Capitol Hill on who he’ll be watching from the press gallery as President Joe Biden delivers his speech.

Who we will be watching from press gallery during Biden’s State of the Union address

Watch — Biden: ‘Why tonight is so important’

01:38 , Oliver O'Connell

Who is attending this year’s State of the Union address?

01:35 , Oliver O'Connell

As is customary, the president will be flanked by the House speaker, Mr McCarthy, and his vice president, Kamala Harris, as he delivers his speech to the assembled members of the House and Senate, with family, friends and specially invited guests looking down from the balcony of the lower chamber.

Among the parties already invited to attend this year’s event include RowVaughn and Rodney Wells, the mother and stepfather of Tyre Nichols, and Brandon Tsay, the hero of the Monterey Park mass shooting.

Here’s a guide to everyone confirmed so far.

Who is attending this year’s State of the Union address?

How long will the speech be?

01:33 , Oliver O'Connell

CSPAN published this handy chart showing the average length of State of the Union speeches. Last year President Biden’s speech was 62 minutes long.

Voices: Why this year’s State of the Union Address will be so different

01:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Ahmed Baba writes:

This year’s State of the Union Address will be very different from the last in more ways than one. Personifying the new era of divided government, Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) will be sitting behind President Biden’s left shoulder next to Vice President Kamala Harris. But even with the new backdrop and looming headaches, Joe Biden appears to be feeling good about where he stands. So good, in fact, his sights are already set on how he can lock in term number two.

Why this year’s State of the Union will be so different

‘The View’ grills press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre over Biden’s poll numbers

01:18 , Oliver O'Connell

While White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was able to flag the Biden administration wins during an appearance on ABC’s The View ahead of tonight’s State of the Union address, she also faced a grilling over the president’s poor poll numbers.

Co-host Sara Haines noted that an ABC News/Washington Post poll found that 40 per cent of Americans felt worse off since Joe Biden took office — the highest that number has been in decades.

Ms Jean-Pierre conceded it had been a hard couple of years, the president has also “transformed” how we think about the economy from “trickle down” to “bottom up, middle out”.

She also dismissed poor polling adding that the number fluctuate too much to prioritised.

Alyssa Farah Griffin also asked about polling data saying that 58 per cent of Democrats or Democrat-leaning voters would prefer a different candidate to the president in 2024.

Noting she is unable to comment on the president’s plans for 2024 except by repeating what he has said, she said: “He intends to run.”

Biden approval rating remains stagnant ahead of State of the Union address

01:10 , Oliver O'Connell

US President Joe Biden’s public approval rating sat at 41 per cent — close to the lowest level of his presidency — as he prepared for a major speech on Tuesday that is expected to serve as a blueprint for a 2024 re-election bid, a new Reuters/Ipsos poll showed.

The three-day national poll, which closed on Sunday, also showed 65 per cent of Americans think the country is on the wrong track - up from 58 per cent a year earlier.

In a presidency buffeted by soaring inflation and a persistent global health crisis, Biden began 2023 buoyed by unexpectedly strong midterm election results for Democrats and signs that consumer price increases were ebbing.

But he has also faced new criticism over a probe into classified documents found in his home in recent months, after he had condemned former President Donald Trump for allegedly mishandling classified documents when he left the White House in 2021.

Biden’s 41 per cent job approval is essentially unchanged from the 40 per cent recorded three weeks earlier. The Reuters/Ipsos poll has a margin of error of three percentage points either way.

It is an unpopularity that has proved remarkably persistent, drifting as low as 36 per cent in May and June of 2022 but holding near 40 per cent for most of the last year.

In past decades, presidents only occasionally went through extended periods with approval as low as that of Biden, although Donald Trump spent much of his 2017-2021 presidency with similar levels of approval and at points sank even lower, hitting 33 per cent in December 2017.

Biden, 80, is expected to launch another run for the White House in the coming weeks, and his State of the Union address on Tuesday is likely to highlight massive infrastructure and inflation laws he signed in his first two years in office.

Reuters

What will Trump be doing tonight?

01:03 , Oliver O'Connell

Apparently “by popular request” former president Donald Trump will be giving a “live and full ‘play by play’ analysis” of the State of the Union address tonight.

Buckle up.

How much has the US spent on the defence of Ukraine

00:54 , Oliver O'Connell

President Joe Biden will call on Congress to unify on Tuesday as he delivers his second State of the Union speech, and his first before the House’s new Republican majority.

And one of the top reasons for that call for unity is his desire to continue providing aid to Ukraine as the country fights back a brutal invasion launched by Russia’s military last year.

John Bowden reports from Washington, DC.

How much has the US contributed to the defence of Ukraine?

Labor Secretary leaving Biden administration amid offers to lead NHL Players’ Association

00:40 , Oliver O'Connell

US Labor Secretary Marty Walsh plans to depart the Biden administration, making him the first major cabinet-level official to leave the White House this term, Bloomberg reports, citing unnamed people familiar with the decision.

Mr Walsh has reportedly been offered a role leading the National Hockey League Players’ Association, a labour organisation that represents the NHL’s athletes in the US and Canada.

Josh Marcus reports.

US Labor Secretary Marty Walsh leaving Biden administration for potential NHL job

Progressives call McCarthy’s bluff on Social Security and Medicare cuts

00:31 , Oliver O'Connell

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders both called House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s bluff on saying Social Security and Medicare will be off the table during negotiations.

The progressive lawmakers both spoke to The Independent’s Eric Garcia.

AOC and Sanders call McCarthy’s bluff on Social Security and Medicare cuts

Voices: Who to keep an eye on during the speech

00:21 , Oliver O'Connell

Eric Garcia reports from Capitol Hill on who he’ll be watching from the press gallery as President Joe Biden delivers his speech.

Who we will be watching from press gallery during Biden’s State of the Union address

Watch: State of the Union 2020 — Pelosi rips up Trump’s speech

00:11 , Oliver O'Connell

Who are the guests attending this year’s State of the Union address?

00:02 , Oliver O'Connell

As is customary, the president will be flanked by the House speaker, Mr McCarthy, and his vice president, Kamala Harris, as he delivers his speech to the assembled members of the House and Senate, with family, friends and specially invited guests looking down from the balcony of the lower chamber.

Among the parties already invited to attend this year’s event include RowVaughn and Rodney Wells, the mother and stepfather of Tyre Nichols, and Brandon Tsay, the hero of the Monterey Park mass shooting.

Here’s a guide to everyone confirmed so far.

Who is attending this year’s State of the Union address?

Watch: Key moments from last year’s State of the Union

Tuesday 7 February 2023 23:52 , Oliver O'Connell

Is Joe Biden running for president in 2024?

Tuesday 7 February 2023 23:41 , Oliver O'Connell

President Joe Biden is set to deliver his second State of the Union address on Tuesday, even as recent polls show American feeling lukewarm about the prospect of him seeking four more years in the White House.

And yet, all indications appear to point towards a 2024 run for a second term.

Andrew Feinberg reports.

Will Joe Biden run for president in 2024?

Biden will urge Congress to ‘finish the job’ with a ‘blue-collar blueprint to rebuild America’

Tuesday 7 February 2023 23:33 , Oliver O'Connell

President Joe Biden will use his second State of the Union address to call on Congress to continue enacting the kinds of significant bipartisan legislation that formed the backbone of his legislative programme in 2021 and 2022, and to eschew the partisan rancor that has been typical of divided government in America over the last few decades.

In excerpts of his remarks released by the White House, Mr Biden will address his “Republican friends” directly and tell them there’s “no reason” they can’t work together in the same manner as was done during the 117th Congress despite the GOP now holding a majority in the House of Representatives.

Andrew Feinberg, The Independent’s White House correspondent, previews the president’s remarks.

Biden SOTU will urge Congress to ‘finish the job’ with ‘blue-collar blueprint’

Tuesday 7 February 2023 23:27 , Oliver O'Connell

Voices: Why this year’s State of the Union Address will be so different

Tuesday 7 February 2023 23:22 , Oliver O'Connell

Ahmed Baba writes:

This year’s State of the Union Address will be very different from the last in more ways than one. Personifying the new era of divided government, Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) will be sitting behind President Biden’s left shoulder next to Vice President Kamala Harris. But even with the new backdrop and looming headaches, Joe Biden appears to be feeling good about where he stands. So good, in fact, his sights are already set on how he can lock in term number two.

Why this year’s State of the Union will be so different

Marjorie Taylor Greene tries to troll Biden by towing large balloon around Congress

Tuesday 7 February 2023 22:52 , Oliver O'Connell

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene is apparently planning to bring a large white balloon to the State of the Union address in order to needle the Biden administration over its handling of a reported Chinese spy balloon that floated over the US for several days.

Ms Greene posted a video of her walking around with the large white balloon on Tuesday, along with the caption “It’s just an innocent balloon...#SOTU.”

Graig Graziosi has the story.

Marjorie Taylor Greene takes large balloon into State of the Union to troll Biden

Who is missing the State of the Union address?

Tuesday 7 February 2023 22:25 , Oliver O'Connell

Plenty of politicians in Washington are looking forward to President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address on Tuesday night, but at least one will not be in attendance at all.

Abe Asher reports.

Who is skipping the State of the Union address?

What will Trump be doing tonight?

Tuesday 7 February 2023 22:05 , Oliver O'Connell

Apparently “by popular request” former president Donald Trump will be giving a “live and full ‘play by play’ analysis” of the State of the Union address tonight.

Buckle up.

The highs and lows of being the designated survivor at the State of the Union

Tuesday 7 February 2023 21:50 , Oliver O'Connell

Andrew Feinberg reports on the origins of the tradition of having a low-level Cabinet member at a secure location during a joint session of Congress in case tragedy strikes.

The highs and lows of being the designated survivor at the State of the Union

‘The View’ grills press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre over Biden’s poll numbers

Tuesday 7 February 2023 21:32 , Oliver O'Connell

While White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was able to flag the Biden administration wins during an appearance on ABC’s The View ahead of tonight’s State of the Union address, she also faced a grilling over the president’s poor poll numbers.

Co-host Sara Haines noted that an ABC News/Washington Post poll found that 40 per cent of Americans felt worse off since Joe Biden took office — the highest that number has been in decades.

Ms Jean-Pierre conceded it had been a hard couple of years, the president has also “transformed” how we think about the economy from “trickle down” to “bottom up, middle out”.

She also dismissed poor polling adding that the number fluctuate too much to prioritised.

Alyssa Farah Griffin also asked about polling data saying that 58 per cent of Democrats or Democrat-leaning voters would prefer a different candidate to the president in 2024.

Noting she is unable to comment on the president’s plans for 2024 except by repeating what he has said, she said: “He intends to run.”

Exclusive: 9/11 activist blasts George Santos for taking survivor to State of the Union after tragedy ‘lies’

Tuesday 7 February 2023 21:15 , Oliver O'Connell

9/11 first responder and activist John Feal has blasted George Santos for inviting a volunteer firefighter to the State of the Union following his alleged lies about the tragedy – as he claimed the congressman has made further false claims to survivors of the terror attacks.

Speaking to The Independent on Tuesday morning, Mr Feal said that the disgraced Republican congressman is “using the 9/11 community for his redemption tour” and is “disrespecting” all the lives that were lost and continue to be lost because of that day.

“Every time George Santos says 9/11 it disrespects those we lost and those we continue to lose,” he said.

Rachel Sharp has the story exclusively for The Independent.

Exclusive: 9/11 activist blasts Santos for taking survivor to State of the Union

Majorie Taylor Greene readies her ‘look at me’ moment for tonight

Tuesday 7 February 2023 20:59 , Oliver O'Connell

Police violence upended lives of families attending State of the Union as guests

Tuesday 7 February 2023 20:30 , Oliver O'Connell

First Lady Jill Biden and several members of Congress have invited family members of victims of police violence to attend President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address on 7 February.

At least 10 families of Black victims of police violence – including Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, George Floyd and Eric Garner, among others – were invited to attend the president’s remarks at the US Capitol, where criminal justice advocates anticipate his renewed support for legislation to overhaul use-of-force policies in police departments across the country.

Alex Woodward reports.

Families upended by police violence attending the State of the Union

Biden approval rating remains stagnant ahead of State of the Union address

Tuesday 7 February 2023 19:46 , Oliver O'Connell

US President Joe Biden’s public approval rating sat at 41 per cent — close to the lowest level of his presidency — as he prepared for a major speech on Tuesday that is expected to serve as a blueprint for a 2024 re-election bid, a new Reuters/Ipsos poll showed.

The three-day national poll, which closed on Sunday, also showed 65 per cent of Americans think the country is on the wrong track - up from 58 per cent a year earlier.

In a presidency buffeted by soaring inflation and a persistent global health crisis, Biden began 2023 buoyed by unexpectedly strong midterm election results for Democrats and signs that consumer price increases were ebbing.

But he has also faced new criticism over a probe into classified documents found in his home in recent months, after he had condemned former President Donald Trump for allegedly mishandling classified documents when he left the White House in 2021.

Biden’s 41 per cent job approval is essentially unchanged from the 40 per cent recorded three weeks earlier. The Reuters/Ipsos poll has a margin of error of three percentage points either way.

It is an unpopularity that has proved remarkably persistent, drifting as low as 36 per cent in May and June of 2022 but holding near 40 per cent for most of the last year.

In past decades, presidents only occasionally went through extended periods with approval as low as that of Biden, although Donald Trump spent much of his 2017-2021 presidency with similar levels of approval and at points sank even lower, hitting 33 per cent in December 2017.

Biden, 80, is expected to launch another run for the White House in the coming weeks, and his State of the Union address on Tuesday is likely to highlight massive infrastructure and inflation laws he signed in his first two years in office.

Reuters

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website