State of the Union Updates: Republicans Slam Biden for 'Angry' Speech 

Republicans Slam Biden for 'Angry' Speech 

Republicans are criticizing the tone of President Joe Biden's State of the Union address, calling it an "angry" speech.

Texas Senator Ted Cruz said the address was "angry, divisive and [a] fundamentally dishonest speech."

"Joe Biden stood up there and sounded like an angry man on his front lawn yelling 'Get off my lawn,'" Cruz said in a video posted on Twitter.

Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene said it was difficult to understand what Biden was saying during the address, as he was "yelling at people" and "yelling through the applause."

At one point during the speech, Biden raised his voice when speaking about his Chinese counterpart.

"Name me a world leader who would change places with Xi Jinping! Name me one!" he said.

Former President Donald Trump also said Biden seemed "very angry" tonight as he was "shouting" into the microphone.

Donald Trump Jr. said Biden was veering into "senile angry grandpa territory."

Trump Calls Biden the 'Most Corrupt' President

Former President Donald Trump shared a video of what he called the "real State of the Union" Tuesday night, slamming the current state of the U.S. under President Joe Biden.

Trump delievered a video message posted on social media shortly after Biden delivered the State the Union. In the two minute video, Trump slams the border crisis, crime, inflation, soaring gas prices and more.

Trump has repeatedly said the Ukraine war would not have happened if he were still president.

"He's [Biden] leading us to the brink of World War III," Trump said in the video. "He's the most corrupt President in American history... and it's not even close."

Trump concluded the video vowing to reverse the "disaster," as he seeks reelection in 2024.

Romney Tells Santos 'You Don't Belong Here'

Republican Senator Mitt Romney slammed fellow GOP Representative George Santos for attending Tuesday's State of the Union, in what appeared to be a heated exchange on the House floor.

Romney told Santos "you don't belong here," a member who witnessed the encounter said, according to CNN. The Utah Senator spoke with reporters about the exchange after Biden's address.

"I don't know the exact words I said, he shouldn't have been there," Romney said, according to The Hill. "Look, he's a sick puppy. He shouldn't have been there."

"I don't think he ought to be in Congress and he certainly shouldn't be in the aisle trying to shake the hand of the president of the United States and dignitaries coming in. It's an embarrassment," the outlet reported.

Santos later tweeted, "Hey Mitt Romney just a reminder that you will NEVER be PRESIDENT!"

Huckabee Sanders Delivers GOP Rebuttal

Newly sworn-in Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders said President Joe Biden and the Democrats have "failed" the American people.

"From out of control inflation and violent crime to the dangerous border crisis and threat from China," she said during the GOP rebuttal to the State of the Union address. "Biden and the Democrats have failed you. They know it and you know it. And it is time for change."

Huckabee Sanders said she and Biden "don't have much in common."

"I'm for freedom, he's for government control," she said. "At 40, I'm the youngest governor in the country. And at 80, he's the oldest president in American history."

While she is the first woman to lead her state, Huckabee Sanders said Biden is the "first man to surrender his Presidency to a woke mob that can't even tell you what a woman is."

She said she is unsure if Biden believes the madness or is simply "too weak" to do anything about it. Regardless, she said Biden's administration has been "hijacked" by the "radical left."

Huckabee Sanders said the dividing line in America is not between right and left, but between "normal and crazy," calling for a new generation of GOP leadership.

She said Americans want "common sense" from their leaders, but Biden has "doubled down on the crazy."

Huckabee Sanders said Democrats in Washington have created the "worst border crisis in American history," allowing criminals crossing the border to "roam free."

She also blasted Biden for not standing up to China, calling his inaction "dangerous and unacceptable."

"Biden is unwilling to defend our border, defend our skies, and defend our people. He is simply unfit to serve as commander in chief," she said.

She said American freedoms are under attack and Republicans, under House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy's leadership, will hold Biden accountable.

Biden Wants 'Competition Not Conflict' With China

During his State of the Union address, President Joe Biden discussed tensions with China.

"Before I came to office, the story was about how the People's Republic of China was increasing its power and America was falling in the world," he said. "Not anymore."

He said he told Chinese President Xi Jinping that he seeks "competition not conflict."

This comes after Biden ordered a Chinese surveillance balloon flying over the U.S. to be shot down off the coast of South Carolina last week.

"Make no mistake about it: as we made clear last week, if China's threatens our sovereignty, we will act to protect our country," he said.

Biden said he will "make no apologies" for investing to "make America strong."

"Investing in American innovation, in industries that will define the future, and that China's government is intent on dominating," he said.

The President said the U.S. is in "the strongest position in decades" to compete with China, or anyone else. He added that he is committed to work with China when he can advance American interests.

"Winning the competition with China should unite all of us," Biden said. "We face serious challenges across the world.

He added that democracies have become stronger as autocracies have grown weaker.

"It's never a good bet to bet against America," Biden said.

But some Republicans said Biden did not go far enough in standing up to China. Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn said China, not climate change, is the real existential threat.

Iowa Representative Ashley Hinson blasted Biden for not mentioning Chinese surveillance.

Watch: Sarah Huckabee Sanders Delivers GOP Response

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is now delivering tonight's Republican response to President Joe Biden's State of the Union address.

She began delivering the rebuttal around 10:45 p.m. ET from Little Rock. Watch live here:

Paul Pelosi Stands for Applause

President Joe Biden recognized Paul Pelosi, the husband of Nancy Pelosi, who is in attendance for tonight's State of the Union address after being attacked inside his home months ago.

"For the last few years our democracy has been threatened, attacked, and put at risk... put to the test here, in this very room, on January 6th," Biden said, referring to the insurrection on January 6, 2021.

"And then, just a few months ago, unhinged by the Big Lie, an assailant unleashed political violence in the home of the then-Speaker of this House of Representatives," he continued. "Using the very same language that insurrectionists who stalked these halls chanted on January 6th."

"Here tonight in this chamber is the man who bears the scars of that brutal attack, but is as tough and strong and as resilient as they get. My friend, Paul Pelosi."

Mr. Pelosi then stood to applause.

"But such a heinous act never should have happened," Biden said.

"We must all speak out. There is no place for political violence in America. In America, we must protect the right to vote, not suppress that fundamental right. We honor the results of our elections, not subvert the will of the people. We must uphold the rule of the law and restore trust in our institutions of democracy. And we must give hate and extremism in any form no safe harbor."

Republicans Criticize Biden's Border Remarks

President Joe Biden called on Congress to pass his immigration reform bill, while touting his administration's border policies.

"We now have a record number of personnel working to secure the border, arresting 8,000 human smugglers and seizing over 23,000 pounds of fentanyl in just the last several months," he said, noting that unlawful migration from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela has come down 97 percent.

"But America's border problems won't be fixed until Congress acts," urging Congress to at least pass his plan to provide the equipment and officers to secure the border and provide a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers.

Several Republicans were seen disagreeing with Biden's words on immigration and border security.

Texas Senator Ted Cruz was seen shaking his head and Representative Marjorie Taylor Green and others yelled "secure the border."

Other Republicans blasted Biden for what they believed were brief remarks.

Biden also talked about stopping fentanyl from crossing the border into the U.S.

"Fentanyl is killing more than 70,000 Americans a year," he said. "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."

He added that his administration is working with couriers like FedEx to inspect more packages for drugs and enact "strong penalties" to crack down on fentanyl trafficking.

Republicans also blamed Biden and his policies for the raise in fentanyl deaths.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy shared a tweet claiming at least 28,000 pounds of fentanyl has crossed the southern border during Biden's time in office.

Trump Reacts, Says McCarthy Having a 'Hard Time Staying Awake'

As promised, former President Donald Trump is providing a live 'play by play' analysis of President Joe Biden's State of the Union address on his Truth Social account.

Trump critiqued Biden's delivery, saying he seems "very angry" and is having a "hard time getting the words out."

"Even though the Fake News will credit him [Biden] with one of the Great Speeches of all time," Trump posted. "I really want to see him improve. Come one Joe, you can do it!"

Trump noted a gaffe during Biden's speech, calling Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer the "Minority" leader.

"Can't do that!" Trump posted. "Each time he's going off script, he's making a mistake. Hopefully he will improve!"

Trump also referenced newly-elected House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who is seated behind Biden alongside Vice President Kamala Harris.

"Kevin McCarthy, who is a great guy, is having a seriously hard time staying awake," Trump said. "I give him credit for being true to himself and the cause. He is just not interested in what is being fed to the audience."

Trump also said it is "nice" that Nancy Pelosi is not in the background, saying "hopefully she's spending more time with her husband."

Trump said there was "popular request" for his live analysis.

Biden Calls for Police Reform

President Joe Biden called for police reform during his State of the Union speech.

Biden said the U.S. government has an obligation "to make sure all our people are safe."

"Public safety depends on public trust," he said. "But too often that trust is violated."

Biden addressed the parents of Tyre Nichols, who died after he was brutally beaten by Memphis police officers last month. Nichols' was laid to rest last week in a service attended by Vice President Kamala Harris.

"There are no words to describe the heartbreak and grief of losing a child," Biden said. "But imagine what it's like to lose a child at the hands of the law."

He said he has never had to have "the talk" with his children about how to stay safe when pulled over by police.

"Imagine having to worry like that every day in America," he said.

Biden shared what Nichols' mother, RowVaughn Wells told him.

"With faith in God, she said her son 'was a beautiful soul and something good will come from this,'" Biden said. "Imagine how much courage and character that takes."

The President added that everyone wants neighborhoods free of violence, law enforcement who earn the community's trust and equal protection under the law.

"Equal protection under the law; that's the covenant we have with each other in America," Biden said.

He said that police officers put their lives on the line every day, adding that "we ask too much of them."

"I know most cops are good. decent people," he said. "They risk their lives every time they put on that shield."

He said what happened to Nichols "happens too often" and "we have to do better."

Biden called for better law enforcement training to "hold them to higher standards" and for more resources to reduce violent crimes, including community intervention programs and investments in housing, education and job training.

Republicans Boo During Biden's Address

Congressional Republicans were not happy when President Biden accused the GOP of wanting to cut Medicare and Social Security.

During his address, Biden said some Republicans want Medicare and Social Security to sunset.

"Other Republicans say if we don't cut Social Security and Medicare, they'll let America default on its debt for the first time in our history," he said.

Loud booing was heard from the Republican side of the chamber, interrupting Biden's address.

Behind the President, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy was seen shaking his head and Representative Marjorie Taylor Green was seen shouting "liar."

Biden clarified, saying he did not mean a majority of Republicans support cutting Medicare and Social Security, but it is being proposed by individuals he is "politely" not naming.

Several Republicans tweeted that Biden was lying, noting that Republican law makers do not want to cut these benefits.

After hearing the response from the GOP, Biden seemed glad to hear Republicans were on his side.

"We agree Medicare is off the books now," he said to a bipartisan standing ovation. "Let's stand up for seniors."

He added that if anyone tries to cut Social Security or Medicare, "which apparently no one's going to do," he would stop them with a veto.

Biden Plans to 'Tackle the Climate Crisis'

President Biden said his administration plans to make more investments to "tackle the climate crisis."

He said the Inflation Reduction Act is lowing utility bills, creating American jobs and allows the U.S. to lead the world to a clean energy future.

"I've visited the devastating aftermaths of record floods and droughts, storms and wildfires," he said. "In addition to emergency recovery from Puerto Rico to Florida to Idaho, we are rebuilding for the long term."

This includes new electric grids able to weather the next major storm, roads and water systems to withstand the next big flood and clean energy to "cut pollution" and "create jobs in communities too often left behind."

"Let's face reality," he said. "The climate crisis doesn't care if your state is red or blue. It is an existential threat."

"We have an obligation to our children and grandchildren to confront it. I'm proud of how America is at last stepping up to the challenge," he added.

Prescription Drug Prices: Capping Insulin at $35

President Joe Biden wants to tackle the price of prescription drugs, capping the cost of insulin for Americans with diabetes at $35 a month.

"We pay more for prescription drugs than any major country on Earth," Biden said before the chamber Tuesday night.

"With the Inflation Reduction Act that I signed into law, we're taking on powerful interests to bring your health care costs down so you can sleep better at night."

One in ten Americans has diabetes, Biden said, saying insulin costs drug companies just $10 a vial.

"But, Big Pharma has been unfairly charging people hundreds of dollars – and making record profits," Biden said, vowing "not anymore."

"We capped the cost of insulin at $35 a month for seniors on Medicare," he said.

"But there are millions of other Americans who are not on Medicare, including 200,000 young people with Type I diabetes who need insulin to save their lives," he continued. "Let's finish the job this time. Let's cap the cost of insulin at $35 a month for every American who needs it."

Biden Notes American Manufacturing Growth

During his State of the Union speech, President Joe Biden boasted key pieces of legislation he has passed since taking office, including those to boost American manufacturing.

With the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, Biden said the U.S. has regained its edge in chip production.

"We can never let that happen again," he said. "We're making sure the supply chain for America begins in America."

Already, he said 800,000 manufacturing jobs have been created without the law.

"With this new law, we will create hundreds of thousands of new jobs across the country," he said.

Infrastructure has also been a key part of his administration's legislative goals.

Biden also said Intel is building semiconductor factories in Ohio that will create 10,000 jobs, including 7,000 construction jobs and 3,000 jobs once the factories are finished.

He said the U.S. used to lead the world in infrastructure, but has fallen to number 13.

"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," he said, adding that over 2,000 projects have been funded already in urban, rural, suburban and tribal lands.

Biden noted he is even funding projects in the districts of Republicans who voted against the bill.

"I promised to be the president for all Americans," he said.

This also includes replacing poisonous lead popes in homes and ensuring every community has access to affordable, high-speed internet.

"No parent should have to drive to a McDonald's parking lot so their kid can do their homework online," he said.

Biden also announced that he will enact new standards to require all construction materials used in federal infrastructure projects to be made in America. This includes American-made lumber, glass, drywall and fiber optic cables that will build roads, bridges, highways and products in the U.S.

"My economic plan is about investing in places and people that have been forgotten," he said. "Amid the economic upheaval of the past four decades, too many people have been left behind or treated like they're invisible."

"Maybe that's you, watching at home," he continued. "You remember the jobs that went away. And you wonder whether a path even exists anymore for you and your children to get ahead without moving away."

"I get that," Biden said. "That's why we're building an economy where no one is left behind."

Biden Says Inflation is 'Coming Down'

Biden said the United States is "better positioned" than any other country after record global inflation.

"Inflation has been a global problem because of the [coronavirus] pandemic that disrupted supply chains and Putin's brutal war in Ukraine disrupted energy and food supplies," he said.

Biden said inflation is "coming down" at home, but "we have more to do."

"Here at home, gas prices are down $1.50 a gallon since their peak. Food inflation is coming down. Inflation has fallen every month for the last six months while take home pay has gone up," he said.

Biden Touts Low Nationwide Unemployment Rate

President Joe Biden addressed the economy, one of the biggest concerns among Americans during the 2022 midterm elections.

"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 said.

"To build an economy from the bottom up and the middle out, not from the top down," he continued. "Because when the middle class does well, the poor have a ladder up and the wealthy still do very well. We all do well."

The chamber then erupted in applause.

"As my Dad used to say, a job is about a lot more than a paycheck," Biden said. "It's about your dignity. It's about respect. It's about being able to look your kid in the eye and say, "Honey –it's going to be OK," and mean it."

He then highlighted the national unemployment rate, currently sitting at 3.4%, a "50-year low, near record low unemployment for Black and Hispanic workers," Biden said.

"We've already created 800,000 good-paying manufacturing jobs, the fastest growth in 40 years."

COVID 'No Longer Rules Our Lives'

President Joe Biden began his speech by congratulating the 118th Congress, notably new House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the first Black House Minority Leader in history.

Biden then discussed how America has overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The story of America is a story of progress and resilience," he said. "Of always moving forward. Of never giving up. A story that is unique among all nations. We are the only country that has emerged from every crisis stronger than when we entered it."

When he took office two years ago, the economy was "reeling," he said, business were shut down and schools were closed.

But now, 12 million jobs have been created and "COVID no longer controls our lives."

Biden Greeted by Applause

President Joe Biden was greeted with applause as he entered the U.S. House Chamber for tonight's State of the Union address. He was preceded by members of his Cabinet, with the exception of U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, who is the designated survivor.

First Lady Jill Biden is standing alongside Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff.

White House guests are seated together, including: Rodney and RowVaughn Wells, the parents of Tyre Nichols, Brandon Tsay, hero of the recent mass shooting in Monterey, CA, and U.S. frontman Bono.

Biden Leaves White House for U.S. Capitol

President Joe Biden has left the White House and is headed to the U.S. Capitol where he will deliver the 2023 State of the Union address. He waved to cameras as he as First Lady Jill Biden walked to the presidential limousine a short time ago.

Vice President Kamala Harris and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy are standing behind the podium, where they will be seated as Biden addresses the nation.

Congressmembers are now gathering inside the House Chamber. Tonight's speech will mark Biden's first address to the new Republican-controlled House.

Biden will begin his address momentarily, set to begin at 9 p.m. ET. Watch live here:

GOP Response Blasts Big Government

Parts of Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders' rebuttal speech following the State of the Union address have been released, previewing her focus on President Joe Biden's "failures."

The governor will highlight high gas prices, empty grocery store shelves and critical race theory under the Biden administration.

"In the radical left's America, Washington taxes you and lights you hard-earned money on fire, but you get crushed with high gas prices, empty grocery store shelves and our children are taught to hate one another on account of their race, but not to love one another or our great country," the excerpt says.

The speech says Biden is "more interested in woke fantasies than the hard realities Americans face every day."

"Most Americans simply want to live their lives in freedom and peace, but we are under attack in a left-wing culture war we didn't start and never wanted to fight," the excerpts includes.

Huckabee Sanders will say that "big government colludes with Big Tech" to "strip away" free speech all while "we are told that we must partake in their rituals, salute their flags, and worship their false idols."

"Republicans believe in an America where strong families thrive in safe communities," the speech Where jobs are abundant, and paychecks are rising. Where the freedom our veterans shed their blood to defend is the birthright of every man, woman, and child."

Republicans to Give Response After Address

Republicans will deliver a response to President Joe Biden's State of the Union address immediately after the president's speech Tuesday night.

Newly sworn in Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders will deliver the Republican rebuttal.

"What America needs – and what Republicans are offering – is a return to common sense and a commitment to the ideals that made America the land of the free and home of the brave," she said in a tweet last week.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said he is "thrilled" for Huckabee Sanders to deliver the GOP response, saying everyone, including Biden "should listen carefully."

"Americans are still struggling from inflation, a border crisis, record crime, and a failing school system," he said in a statement. "House Republicans work to fix these problems in Congress with our Commitment to America, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is addressing them head on with her conservative agenda outside of Washington."

Ahead of Biden's address, Republican lawmakers have pointed out the administration's failures and are ready to note his "lies" and empty promises.

House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik of New York said any attempt by Biden to claim his economy is strong "is a lie," noting continued inflation.

She said our State of the Union is still "in crisis."

"We have a crime crisis, border crisis, inflation crisis, national security crisis, and energy crisis thanks to Biden & Dems' reckless policies," she tweeted. "Nothing Biden says can reverse the damage."

Florida Senator Rick Scott blasted Biden on growing national debt and said he is "afraid" to raise taxes to pay for it.

North Carolina Representative Greg Murphy warned that Biden "gaslights" the American people.

"While Biden will try to tout false wins tonight, do not be fooled by his disingenuous tales," he said in a tweet. "The American people don't want a president who gaslights them, they want affordable gas."

Representative Marjorie Taylor Green of Georgia showed up to Congress with a white balloon, a reference the Chinese surveillance balloon that was spotted flying over the U.S. last week.

She said Biden "isn't afraid of balloons" because he "allowed China to traverse the United States with a Chinese spy balloon."

Greene said Biden and the Defense Department knew about this balloon before it entered U.S. airspace and "allowed it to happen."

"We need to ask our government why they are afraid of China," she said, adding that Biden owes the American people an apology, an explanation and a "very serious plan on how he's going to address China in the future.

Read: Excerpts From Tonight's Address

The White House has released excerpts from the 2023 State of the Union speech, less than two hours before President Joe Biden addresses the nation.

Biden will tout record job growth in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, detail his economic plan and deliver a message to Republicans in the new Congress about working together.

Read the full excerpts below:

"The story of America is a story of progress and resilience... we are the only country that has emerged from every crisis stronger than when we entered it. That is what we are doing again. Two years ago our economy was reeling. As I stand here tonight, we have created a record 12 million new jobs – more jobs created in two years than any president has ever created in four years. 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. And two years ago, our democracy faced its greatest threat since the Civil War. Today, though bruised, our democracy remains unbowed and unbroken.

My economic plan is about investing in places and people that have been forgotten. Amid the economic upheaval of the past four decades too many people have been left behind or treated like they're invisible. Maybe that's you watching at home. You remember the jobs that went away. And you wonder whether a path even exists anymore for you and your children to get ahead without moving away. I get it. That's why we're building an economy where no one is left behind. Jobs are coming back, pride is coming back because of the choices we made in the last two years. This is a blue-collar blueprint to rebuild America and make a real difference in your lives.

To my Republican friends, if we could work together in the last Congress, there is no reason we can't work together in this new Congress. The people sent us a clear message. Fighting for the sake of fighting, power for the sake of power, conflict for the sake of conflict, gets us nowhere. And that's always been my vision for the country: to restore the soul of the nation, to rebuild the backbone of America: the middle class, to unite the country. We've been sent here to finish the job!"

Biden's Approval Rating Remains at 43%, Poll

President Joe Biden will give his assessment of the state of the country tonight, now two years into his Presidency.

It has been a challenging year amid continuing economic concerns, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the war with Ukraine, to name a few. Now, Biden is working with a politically divided Congress.

So what do Americans think of Biden's job thus far?

On the eve of his second State of Union address, Biden's approval rating remains at 43.2%. according to poll tracker FiveThirtyEight. About 52% of Americans disapprove Biden's job, the poll finds.

Those numbers are lower in a poll conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, showing about 25% of American adults believe the U.S. is headed in the right direction. The same poll found a "majority" of Democrats don't want Biden to seek a second term, with 37% of Democrats supporting a 2024 bid.

Parents of Tyre Nichols Among Attendees

Several guests are slated to join First Lady Jill Biden and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff for the State of the Union address Tuesday night.

The guests were invited because they "personify issues or themes" of President Joe Biden's speech or "embody the Biden-Harris Administration's policies at work for the American people," according to the White House.

Some of the high-profile guests include:

• U2 front man and global heath and AIDS relief advocate Bono.
• Paul Pelosi, the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. He was severely injured days before the midterm elections.
• RowVaughn and Rodney Wells, the parents of Tyre Nichols, who died last month after he was severely beaten by Memphis police.
• Brandon Tsay, the 26-year-old man who disarmed a gunman in last moth's deadly shooting in Monterey Park.

The other guests include:

• Maurice and Kandice Barron: The New York parents of a 3-year-old who survived a rare pediatric cancer. Their presence is meant to highlight Biden's Cancer Moonshot initiative.
• Lynette Bonar: The Tuba City, Arizona nurse and medical executive involved in bringing the first cancer center to a Native American reservation.
• Deanna Branch: A Milwaukee mother whose son was diagnosed with lead poisoning from unsafe drinking water in their home. Biden said he aims to replace all lead drinking water pipes within the next decade.
• Kristin Christensen and Avarie Kollmar: The Seattle mother-daughter who've shared their story about caring for their husband and father, an injured Navy veteran.
• Ruth Cohen: The Maryland resident is a Holocaust survivor and volunteer at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum who has warned against rising antisemitism. Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, who is Jewish, has taken a lead role in the administration's efforts to combat antisemitism.
• Mitzi Colin Lopez: An advocate for those protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
• Maurice "Dion" Dykes: A Tennessee resident training to be a teacher after a 25-year graphic design career as part of a program funded by the 2020 COVID-19 relief law.
• Kate Foley of Rolling: A 10th grade student looking to pursue a career as a biomedical engineer.
• Darlene Gaffney: A breast cancer survivor who has promoted the importance of early detection and timely cancer screenings.
• Doug Griffin: He lost his daughter in 2014 to a fentanyl overdose. The White House said Biden will focus on the administration's efforts to the opioid epidemic.
• Saria Gwin-Maye: A Cincinnati ironworker who will work on the federally supported revitalization of the Brent Spence Bridge.
• Jacki Liszak: She met Biden after Hurricane Ian hit Florida. Her business stands to benefit from federal climate resilience funding.
• Oksana Markarova: The Ukrainian ambassador to the U.S. She was a guest when Biden spoke days after Russia invaded Ukraine.
• Harry Miller of Upper-Arlington, Ohio: A mechanical engineering student and a former football player for Ohio State University, who left football to prioritize his mental health.
• Gina and Heidi Nortonsmith: The plaintiffs in Massachusetts case that paved the way for the state to legalizing same-sex marriage.
• Paul Sarzoza: The owner of a Phoenix cleaning and facilities services company that is benefitting from servicing companies investing in high-tech manufacturing in his area.
• Amanda and Josh Zurawski: A Texas couple who were told that their doctors could intervene after her water prematurely broke at 18 weeks pregnant due to the state's abortion ban. This lead to Amanda developing sepsis and nearly dying because of the delay in receiving treatment.

Trump to Give 'Play by Play' of Biden's Address

Former President Donald Trump will offering live commentary on President Joe Biden's State of the Union address tonight.

Trump said in a Truth Social post that he will be doing a "live and full 'Play by Play' analysis of the address "by popular request."

He said that if Biden has "just a modestly good night" and the speech is "properly done," this address "has the opportunity to rival any of the World's great orators," including Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and U.K Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Biden, Aides Prepared for Speech at Camp David

Several senior advisors to President Joe Biden were expected on hand for speech preparations at Camp David over the weekend.

Historian and author Jon Meacham was among those on hand, several media outlets reported. Meacham has assisted in crafting several of Biden's speeches including: his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention, Biden's inaugural address and the remarks delievered just last month marking the first anniversary of the Jan. 6 attack at the U.S. Capitol, CBS News reports.

Several other aides and counselors were expected for the preparations, along with Chief White House Speechwriter Vinay Reddy. Biden was expected to be there as well on Saturday and Sunday.

While it's unknown how long tonight's address will be, Biden's first State of the Union address clocked in at about 62 minutes. Earlier today, the President tweeted a picture showing a binder with the speech, cookies and a beverage saying "getting ready."

Speech to Highlight Veterans, Cancer, Drug Epidemic

President Joe Biden is expected to discuss the progress made in his administration during his State of the Union speech later tonight.

According to the White House, Biden's speech will touch on how his administration has fulfilled promises made when he took office two years ago.

"During his first State of the Union address, Biden announced a four-part Unity Agenda focused on areas where members of both parties can come together and deliver for the American people," White House Communications Director Kate Bedingfield told reporters Tuesday.

The agenda included ending cancer, supporting veterans, tackling the mental health crisis and overcoming the opioid and drug epidemic.

Bedingfield said Biden has "made good" on those promises over the last year by working with both Democrats and Republicans in Congress to pass key legislation.

"In his State of the Union today, the President will announce a new set of policies to continue to make progress advancing his Unity Agenda and deliver results for families across the country," Bedingfield said.

Drug Overdoses and Fentanyl Deaths

Dr. Rahul Gupta, the head of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, said combating America's drug problem is "not a red-state problem or a blue-state problem" but "America's problem."

"The opioid crisis is affecting just about every community in every state, and it's being driven by synthetic opioids like illicit fentanyl," he said.

Gupta noted Biden's progress, seizing nearly 15,000 pounds of fentanyl at the southern border.

"Tonight, President Biden will lay out a forceful approach for going after fentanyl trafficking and expanding public health efforts to reduce overdose deaths," he said.

This includes using advanced technology to stop more fentanyl at the border, working with commercial package delivery companies to catch more packages containing fentanyl and working with congress to "permanently control fentanyl-related substances" to ensure traffickers are held accountable.

Cancer

Cancer Moonshot Coordinator Danielle Carnival said Biden with highlight the progress made on the coalition's goals thus far.

This includes 30 new federal programs, policies, and resources from a first-ever Cancer Cabinet — from steps to increase screenings, to innovative approaches to improve care for patients and those that support them, to standing up and funding ARPA-H, a new agency to drive breakthroughs in the fight against cancer and other diseases.

"Tonight's speech will also highlight what we need to do to further accelerate progress," she said. "This includes bringing America's cancer research and care systems into the 21st century."

She said the administration is urging Congress to reauthorize the National Cancer Act to "enable us to update our systems for today's fight against cancer" and lock in the strong investment in cancer research that would otherwise expire this year.

Additionally, the administration wants to increase "access to support for cancer patients and their loved ones" and maintain focus on prevention and patient experience.

Veterans

Christen Linke Young, Deputy Assistant to the President for Health and Veterans Affairs, said Biden will continue to make progress on the administration's "sacred obligations" to veterans and their families.

"We worked with Democrats and Republicans to pass the PACT Act, expanding access to healthcare and benefits related to toxic exposures for veterans and their survivors, which is the most significant new policy for toxic-exposed veterans in 30 years," she said.

In his address tonight, Biden will focus on addressing veteran suicide, veterans' mental health needs, VA support programs and expanding veteran housing opportunities.

Young also said Biden will talk about expanding Medicare coverage, investing in mental health professional training and expanding mental health resource.

How to Watch the 2023 State of the Union

President Joe Biden will deliver the 2023 State of the Union address Tuesday night before a politically divided Congress.

A Republican rebuttal will follow his speech, delievered this year by Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

Biden's address will begin at 9 p.m. ET, watch live here or below.