Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) had previously said that the GOP would not partake in “childish games” during the State of the Union address on Tuesday. While the GOP may have originally remained cordial at the start of the event, during President Biden’s speech GOP lawmakers and members started being loud and shouting at Biden frequently. Their response is considered to be one of the rowdiest responses from the opposing party in recent years.
House Republicans had been informed earlier in the day that the room was filled with hot mics and cameras all across the House floor. McCarthy had told CNN that the Republicans would conduct themselves based on the congressional “code of ethics,” and that they would not engage in “childish games like tearing up a speech.” This was a direct reference to former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) ripping the State of the Union address given by former President Trump.
As Biden entered the room for his address he shook the hands of McCarthy and many other Republicans. During the start of his speech, Republicans had maintained a relatively calm demeanor, but that changed following Biden’s comments that the Republicans were looking to sunset Social Security and Medicare.
It was during this part that many in the GOP started shouting back at Biden. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) even went as far as to call Biden a “liar” during his speech. Further shouts from the GOP came when Biden started talking about border security with Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) yelling, “It’s your fault!” after Biden spoke about Fentanyl.
