The State of the Union address was marked by heckling from Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene and the controversial announcement by former Congressman George Santos of his intent to run for Congress, despite facing federal criminal charges.
During President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address, several incidents attracted significant attention. Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia stirred the audience by heckling the president about his son, Hunter Biden. Amid Biden’s speech focusing on tax fairness and a proposal to cut the federal deficit by $3 trillion, Greene disrupted by yelling, “Tell Hunter to pay his taxes.” The comment was a reference to Hunter Biden’s ongoing scrutiny over failing to pay nearly $1.4 million in federal taxes from 2016 to 2019. Greene’s outburst and subsequent social media posts underscored the political tension surrounding the issue. Other Republicans, including Florida Representative Matt Gaetz and Colorado Representative Lauren Boebert, joined Greene in criticizing the younger Biden, particularly over his tax payments and art sales.
In a separate but concurrent development, George Santos, a former congressman, announced his intentions to run for Congress, aiming to represent New York’s first district. Despite facing federal criminal charges and having been expelled from Congress in December 2023, Santos declared his candidacy during the State of the Union address. His announcement on Twitter targeted his former colleague, Representative Nick LaLota, amidst Santos’ controversial past involving fabrications about his education and family history. Santos, who still retains floor privileges despite his expulsion, was seen interacting with Representatives Boebert and Gaetz at the event. Planning to file with the Federal Election Commission, Santos has expressed his intent to fight for majority control, viewing it as essential for the country. This move comes after he reportedly earned over $400,000 through the video app Cameo, marking his latest effort to re-enter the political arena since his departure from Congress.
