Incumbent US President Joe Biden, in his third and final State of the Union address before the 2024 US Presidential Elections, repeatedly slammed his Republican rival Donald Trump throughout his speech.

Calling out Trump over his claims of a rigged election and the Jan 6 US Capitol insurrection by his followers, Biden remarked, "You can't love the country only when you win".

He also touched upon a variety of topics, including the Israel-Hamas war, immigration, student loan debt and more. Here are the key takeaways from Joe Biden's 2024 State of the Union address.

<h2>Sweden joins&nbsp;NATO</h2>

At the beginning of his speech, Biden welcomed Sweden to the NATO bloc and said: "Welcome, welcome, welcome!"

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-to-draw-contrast-with-donald-trump-in-his-last-state-of-the-union-address-as-us-president-697790">Joe Biden to draw contrast with Donald Trump in his last State of the Union address as US President</a>

He acknowledged Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's attendance during the address and said, "Mr Prime Minister, welcome to NATO, the strongest military alliance the world has ever known."

"Today, we've made NATO stronger than ever," he said.&nbsp;

<h2>On Putin and Ukraine-Russia war</h2>

Reiterating his appeals for military aid to Ukraine, Biden said Russian President Vladimir Putin will not stop at Ukraine, but that Kyiv can stop him "if we stand with Ukraine and provide the weapons it needs to defend itself. That is all Ukraine is asking. They are not asking for American soldiers."

"Overseas, Putin of Russia is on the march, invading Ukraine and sowing chaos throughout Europe and beyond.&nbsp;If anybody in this room thinks Putin will stop at Ukraine, I assure you, he will not," he warned.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-to-announce-gaza-port-construction-to-enable-aid-into-war-torn-palestinian-enclave-697753">US President Joe Biden to announce Gaza port construction to enable aid into war-torn Palestinian enclave</a>

He asserted that there were "no American soldiers at war in Ukraine. And I am determined to keep it that way," but said that the assistance Ukraine requires was "being blocked by those who want us to walk away from our leadership in the world."

"It wasn’t that long ago when a Republican President, Ronald Reagan, thundered, 'Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall'.&nbsp;Now, my predecessor, a former Republican President, tells Putin, 'Do whatever the hell you want.'&nbsp;A former American President actually said that,&nbsp;bowing down&nbsp;to a Russian leader."

Slamming Trump, he remarked, "It’s&nbsp;outrageous.&nbsp;It’s&nbsp;dangerous.&nbsp;It’s&nbsp;unacceptable."&nbsp;

<h2>On Israel-Hamas war</h2>

Talking about the crisis abroad, Biden said, "I know the last five months have been gut-wrenching for so many people, for the Israeli people, the Palestinian people, and so many here in America."

He pledged that he would not rest until all the Hamas hostages were back home.&nbsp;

Issuing a sharp directive to Israel's leaders, he told the warring nation to not hold up humanitarian aid to Palestinians for political purposes.

"Israel also has a fundamental responsibility to protect innocent civilians in Gaza."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-first-lady-and-alexei-navalnys-wife-decline-jill-bidens-invitation-to-state-of-the-union-address-697142">Ukraine's first lady and Alexei Navalny's wife decline Jill Biden's invitation to State of the Union address</a>

"This war has taken a greater toll on innocent civilians than all previous wars in Gaza combined," he said.

He also revealed that he would be directing the US military "to lead an emergency mission to establish a temporary pier in the Mediterranean on the Gaza coast that can receive large ships carrying food, water, medicine and temporary shelters."

However, he stressed that forces will not be deployed on the ground.

"No US boots will be on the ground," he said.&nbsp;

"This temporary pier would enable a massive increase in the amount of humanitarian assistance getting into Gaza every day. But Israel must also do its part," he added.

"Israel must allow more aid into Gaza and ensure that humanitarian workers aren’t caught in the crossfire."

He warned Israel's leadership that "humanitarian assistance cannot be a secondary consideration or a bargaining chip."

<h2>On Roe V. Wade</h2>

Biden made abortion rights a major focus of his State of the Union address, vowing to reinstate Roe versus Wade if given a Congress "that supports the right to choose."

Drawing a contrast with his "predecessor," he said, "My predecessor came to office determined to see Roe v. Wade overturned. He’s the reason it was overturned. In fact, he brags about it. Look at the chaos that has resulted." He did not mention Trump by name.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/state-of-the-union-live-biden-to-draw-contrast-with-trump-in-his-last-sotu-address-as-us-president-697793#">Watch | Biden's address 2024: Biden warns Putin that he will not bow down in his state address</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/state-of-the-union-live-biden-to-draw-contrast-with-trump-in-his-last-sotu-address-as-us-president-697793#" target="_blank"><img alt="" data-nimg="intrinsic" decoding="async" referrerpolicy="no-referrer" src="https://www.wionews.com/assets/images/twitter.svg?imwidth=64" srcset="/assets/images/twitter.svg?imwidth=32 1x, /assets/images/twitter.svg?imwidth=64 2x" /></a>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bidens-address-2024-biden-warns-putin-that-he-will-not-bow-down-in-his-state-address-697824/embed" width="560"></iframe>

"My God, what freedoms will you take away next? In its decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court majority wrote the following, and with all due respect Justices, 'Women are not without—electoral or political power.' Excuse me, electoral or political power. You're about to realise how right we are about that.”

Biden emphasised his support of abortion rights and pledged to make them the law of the land if elected.

<h2>Republican response to Biden's State of the Union</h2>

US&nbsp;Senator Katie Britt of Alabama delivered the Republicans' formal response to President Joe&nbsp;Biden's State of the Union speech. She&nbsp;criticised&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;on issues like immigration and the state of the US economy as she delivered the GOP’s rebuttal to the State of the Union address.

"There is no doubt we’re at a crossroads and it doesn't have to be this way," said Britt, adding, "We all feel it. But here’s the good news: we the People are still in the driver’s seat. We get to decide whether our future will grow brighter, or whether we settle for an America in decline. Well, I know which choice our children deserve – and the choice the Republican Party is fighting for."

Incumbent US President Joe Biden, in his third and final State of the Union address before the 2024 US Presidential Elections, repeatedly slammed his Republican rival Donald Trump throughout his speech.

Incumbent US President Joe Biden, in his third and final State of the Union address before the 2024 US Presidential Elections, repeatedly slammed his Republican rival Donald Trump throughout his speech. Calling out Trump over his claims of a rigged election and the Jan 6 US Capitol insurrection by his followers, Biden remarked, "You can't love the country only when you win". He also touched upon a variety of topics, including the Israel-Hamas war, immigration, student loan debt and more. Here are the key takeaways from Joe Biden's 2024 State of the Union address. Sweden joins NATO At the beginning of his speech, Biden welcomed Sweden to the NATO bloc and said: "Welcome, welcome, welcome!" Also read | Joe Biden to draw contrast with Donald Trump in his last State of the Union address as US President He acknowledged Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's attendance during the address and said, "Mr Prime Minister, welcome to NATO, the strongest military alliance the world has ever known." "Today, we've made NATO stronger than ever," he said. On Putin and Ukraine-Russia war Reiterating his appeals for military aid to Ukraine, Biden said Russian President Vladimir Putin will not stop at Ukraine, but that Kyiv can stop him "if we stand with Ukraine and provide the weapons it needs to defend itself. That is all Ukraine is asking. They are not asking for American soldiers." "Overseas, Putin of Russia is on the march, invading Ukraine and sowing chaos throughout Europe and beyond. If anybody in this room thinks Putin will stop at Ukraine, I assure you, he will not," he warned. Also read | US President Joe Biden to announce Gaza port construction to enable aid into war-torn Palestinian enclave He asserted that there were "no American soldiers at war in Ukraine. And I am determined to keep it that way," but said that the assistance Ukraine requires was "being blocked by those who want us to walk away from our leadership in the world." "It wasn’t that long ago when a Republican President, Ronald Reagan, thundered, 'Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall'. Now, my predecessor, a former Republican President, tells Putin, 'Do whatever the hell you want.' A former American President actually said that, bowing down to a Russian leader." Slamming Trump, he remarked, "It’s outrageous. It’s dangerous. It’s unacceptable." On Israel-Hamas war Talking about the crisis abroad, Biden said, "I know the last five months have been gut-wrenching for so many people, for the Israeli people, the Palestinian people, and so many here in America." He pledged that he would not rest until all the Hamas hostages were back home. Issuing a sharp directive to Israel's leaders, he told the warring nation to not hold up humanitarian aid to Palestinians for political purposes. "Israel also has a fundamental responsibility to protect innocent civilians in Gaza." Also read | Ukraine's first lady and Alexei Navalny's wife decline Jill Biden's invitation to State of the Union address "This war has taken a greater toll on innocent civilians than all previous wars in Gaza combined," he said. He also revealed that he would be directing the US military "to lead an emergency mission to establish a temporary pier in the Mediterranean on the Gaza coast that can receive large ships carrying food, water, medicine and temporary shelters." However, he stressed that forces will not be deployed on the ground. "No US boots will be on the ground," he said. "This temporary pier would enable a massive increase in the amount of humanitarian assistance getting into Gaza every day. But Israel must also do its part," he added. "Israel must allow more aid into Gaza and ensure that humanitarian workers aren’t caught in the crossfire." He warned Israel's leadership that "humanitarian assistance cannot be a secondary consideration or a bargaining chip." On Roe V. Wade Biden made abortion rights a major focus of his State of the Union address, vowing to reinstate Roe versus Wade if given a Congress "that supports the right to choose." Drawing a contrast with his "predecessor," he said, "My predecessor came to office determined to see Roe v. Wade overturned. He’s the reason it was overturned. In fact, he brags about it. Look at the chaos that has resulted." He did not mention Trump by name. Watch | Biden's address 2024: Biden warns Putin that he will not bow down in his state address "My God, what freedoms will you take away next? In its decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court majority wrote the following, and with all due respect Justices, 'Women are not without—electoral or political power.' Excuse me, electoral or political power. You're about to realise how right we are about that.” Biden emphasised his support of abortion rights and pledged to make them the law of the land if elected. Republican response to Biden's State of the Union US Senator Katie Britt of Alabama delivered the Republicans' formal response to President Joe Biden's State of the Union speech. She criticised Biden on issues like immigration and the state of the US economy as she delivered the GOP’s rebuttal to the State of the Union address. "There is no doubt we’re at a crossroads and it doesn't have to be this way," said Britt, adding, "We all feel it. But here’s the good news: we the People are still in the driver’s seat. We get to decide whether our future will grow brighter, or whether we settle for an America in decline. Well, I know which choice our children deserve – and the choice the Republican Party is fighting for."

Trump, Gaza war, Putin, and more: Key takeaways from Joe Biden's State of the Union address 2024

On Friday (Mar 8), US President Joe Biden delivered his third and final State of the Union (SOTU) address before the 2024 US Presidential elections. Amid the sea of audience present in the Capitol for this parliamentary custom were a number of congresswomen dressed in white. Why were they wearing outfits in this particular colour? Here's the answer.

<h2>White in a sea of colours</h2>

The white outfits served an important purpose. As per a statement released ahead of the SOTU address, the white outfits served the message of women's rights.&nbsp;

"Our message is clear: women must be able to access the health care they need to control their own lives and futures," said Democratic Women's Caucus (DWC) Chair Lois Frankel in the statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-gaza-war-putin-and-more-key-takeaways-from-joe-bidens-state-of-the-union-address-2024-697872">Trump, Gaza war, Putin, and more: Key takeaways from Joe Biden's State of the Union address 2024</a>

"That means women, not politicians, should be in charge of whether, when, and how to start or grow their families. That includes access to birth control, access to abortion, and access to IVF," added the statement.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter,&nbsp;Florida Rep. Kathy Castor wrote, "House Democratic women in suffragette white: We are standing up for your right to make your own health care decisions including abortion".

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🇺🇸 House Democratic women in suffragette white: We are standing up for your right to make your own health care decisions including abortion <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/7MKYLsyBIK">pic.twitter.com/7MKYLsyBIK</a>
— U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (@USRepKCastor) <a href="https://twitter.com/USRepKCastor/status/1765917881278026114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The outfits, as per a Time report, were a nod&nbsp;to the colour of the suffragette movement. Similarly, in 2019 and 2020, the white outfits were a message of solidarity. In 2019, they served as "a declaration that women will not go back on our hard-earned right (to vote)".

In 2020, white was used by the DWC to "show their unity and a commitment to defending the rights of women and disenfranchised groups".

<h2>Women's rights in America</h2>

This year's message comes at a time when women's reproductive rights have come under fire in various states, and have become a hot-button political issue across America.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-to-draw-contrast-with-donald-trump-in-his-last-state-of-the-union-address-as-us-president-697790">Joe Biden to draw contrast with Donald Trump in his last State of the Union address in current term</a>

After the overturning of Roe V. Wade in 2022, several states across the country have severely limited abortion rights, and the recent 'embryos are babies' row in Alabama has further raised the question of how safe are women's reproductive rights.

<h2>Protests outside Capitol</h2>

As Biden appeared before the Congress, protesters gathered outside the Capitol with the messages: "Stop funding Israel", "Biden's legacy is genocide",&nbsp;and "Complete ceasefire now".

<figure><a id="image-6a0000" name="image-6a0000"></a></figure>

<img alt="Protesters block Pennsylvania Ave. during a pro-Palestinian demonstration near the U.S. Capitol in preparation for President Joe Biden's State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress, Thursday, March 7, 2024, in Washington (AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez)" src="https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/3418eb5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5000x3333+0+0/resize/599x399!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fb4%2F83%2Fbc6b420b4e848b9031232a2ae961%2Fap24068070536357.jpg" />

As per reports, about 150 protesters gathered&nbsp;on Pennsylvania Avenue, the road that connects the White House to the Capitol, ahead of the annual address, due to which Biden's motorcade&nbsp;took a detour.

(With inputs from agencies)

On Friday (Mar 8), US President Joe Biden delivered his third and final State of the Union (SOTU) address before the 2024 US Presidential elections. Amid the sea of audience present in the Capitol for this parliamentary custom were a number of congresswomen dressed in white.

On Friday (Mar 8), US President Joe Biden delivered his third and final State of the Union (SOTU) address before the 2024 US Presidential elections. Amid the sea of audience present in the Capitol for this parliamentary custom were a number of congresswomen dressed in white. Why were they wearing outfits in this particular colour? Here's the answer. White in a sea of colours The white outfits served an important purpose. As per a statement released ahead of the SOTU address, the white outfits served the message of women's rights. "Our message is clear: women must be able to access the health care they need to control their own lives and futures," said Democratic Women's Caucus (DWC) Chair Lois Frankel in the statement. Also read | Trump, Gaza war, Putin, and more: Key takeaways from Joe Biden's State of the Union address 2024 "That means women, not politicians, should be in charge of whether, when, and how to start or grow their families. That includes access to birth control, access to abortion, and access to IVF," added the statement. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Florida Rep. Kathy Castor wrote, "House Democratic women in suffragette white: We are standing up for your right to make your own health care decisions including abortion". 🇺🇸 House Democratic women in suffragette white: We are standing up for your right to make your own health care decisions including abortion #SOTU2024 pic.twitter.com/7MKYLsyBIK — U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (@USRepKCastor) March 8, 2024 × The outfits, as per a Time report, were a nod to the colour of the suffragette movement. Similarly, in 2019 and 2020, the white outfits were a message of solidarity. In 2019, they served as "a declaration that women will not go back on our hard-earned right (to vote)". In 2020, white was used by the DWC to "show their unity and a commitment to defending the rights of women and disenfranchised groups". Women's rights in America This year's message comes at a time when women's reproductive rights have come under fire in various states, and have become a hot-button political issue across America. Also read | Joe Biden to draw contrast with Donald Trump in his last State of the Union address in current term After the overturning of Roe V. Wade in 2022, several states across the country have severely limited abortion rights, and the recent 'embryos are babies' row in Alabama has further raised the question of how safe are women's reproductive rights. Protests outside Capitol As Biden appeared before the Congress, protesters gathered outside the Capitol with the messages: "Stop funding Israel", "Biden's legacy is genocide", and "Complete ceasefire now". As per reports, about 150 protesters gathered on Pennsylvania Avenue, the road that connects the White House to the Capitol, ahead of the annual address, due to which Biden's motorcade took a detour. (With inputs from agencies)

Here's why Democratic congresswomen wore white to Biden's State of the Union address

First Lady Melania Trump made a very visible return to the public stage Tuesday by attending her husband&#39;s maiden State of the Union address, her first official appearance since accusations of infidelity surfaced about the president.

The enigmatic wife of Donald Trump emerged publicly for the first time since she fed the Washington rumor mill by cancelling her trip to Davos, Switzerland, leaving her husband to attend last week&#39;s World Economic Forum on his own.

Melania&#39;s no-show in Davos came on the heels of a bombshell report that Trump had a fling with porn star Stormy Daniels in 2006, just months after his wife gave birth to their son.

But for Trump&#39;s big night in Congress, Melania arrived smiling and waving, to warm and extended applause -- dressed in a crisp cream white pantsuit that stood in contrast to the black donned by Democratic lawmakers in solidarity with the victims of sexual harassment.

Minutes later, her husband took the floor and exchanged waves with his wife.

Among Trumps&#39; guests in the first lady&#39;s box were a US Marine corporal who stepped on an explosive device and lost both legs while deployed in Iraq in 2007; first responders who helped save hurricane victims in Louisiana and Texas, and parents of children killed by the gang MS-13.

Breaking with tradition, the first couple arrived separately to the Capitol, because, according to the first lady&#39;s spokesperson Stephanie Grisham, she was accompanying guests.

Afterwards, the first lady was seen being escorted out of the gallery by a military officer, as Trump spoke with lawmakers and administration officials on the House floor.

It was not immediately clear whether the Trumps returned together to the White House.

The Melania mystery

As the 47-year-old wife of a 71-year-old man known for past lewd remarks about women, and whose two past divorces became public spectacles, Melania Trump is dogged by speculation that they lead largely separate lives.

Speculation flared anew when The Wall Street Journal reported on January 12 that Trump had paid Daniels $130,000, one month before the November 2016 election, to keep their adulterous liaison quiet.

The porn star was questioned anew about the reports as a guest given star billing Tuesday on late night ABC talk show &quot;Jimmy Kimmel Live!&quot;

But Daniels, reportedly bound by the non-disclosure agreement about the alleged fling, revealed little -- laughing awkwardly, flashing tight-lipped smiles and deflecting Kimmel&#39;s questions at every chance.

&quot;I thought this was a talk show, not a horror movie,&quot; she said as Kimmel read from the transcript of a 2011 In Touch magazine interview, only recently published and reportedly about the liaison.

As for Melania, her opinions and goals have remained a mystery to millions of Americans.

She is a former model who once posed nude in her husband&#39;s private jet, and the first foreign-born wife of a US president in nearly 200 years.

She spent her first months as first lady living in New York, and refused to move to the White House until their young son Barron finished the school year.

She makes few public speeches, and is rarely seen in Washington.

Breaking with tradition, the first couple arrived separately to the Capitol.

First Lady Melania Trump made a very visible return to the public stage Tuesday by attending her husband's maiden State of the Union address, her first official appearance since accusations of infidelity surfaced about the president. The enigmatic wife of Donald Trump emerged publicly for the first time since she fed the Washington rumor mill by cancelling her trip to Davos, Switzerland, leaving her husband to attend last week's World Economic Forum on his own. Melania's no-show in Davos came on the heels of a bombshell report that Trump had a fling with porn star Stormy Daniels in 2006, just months after his wife gave birth to their son. But for Trump's big night in Congress, Melania arrived smiling and waving, to warm and extended applause -- dressed in a crisp cream white pantsuit that stood in contrast to the black donned by Democratic lawmakers in solidarity with the victims of sexual harassment. Minutes later, her husband took the floor and exchanged waves with his wife. Among Trumps' guests in the first lady's box were a US Marine corporal who stepped on an explosive device and lost both legs while deployed in Iraq in 2007; first responders who helped save hurricane victims in Louisiana and Texas, and parents of children killed by the gang MS-13. Breaking with tradition, the first couple arrived separately to the Capitol, because, according to the first lady's spokesperson Stephanie Grisham, she was accompanying guests. Afterwards, the first lady was seen being escorted out of the gallery by a military officer, as Trump spoke with lawmakers and administration officials on the House floor. It was not immediately clear whether the Trumps returned together to the White House. The Melania mystery As the 47-year-old wife of a 71-year-old man known for past lewd remarks about women, and whose two past divorces became public spectacles, Melania Trump is dogged by speculation that they lead largely separate lives. Speculation flared anew when The Wall Street Journal reported on January 12 that Trump had paid Daniels $130,000, one month before the November 2016 election, to keep their adulterous liaison quiet. The porn star was questioned anew about the reports as a guest given star billing Tuesday on late night ABC talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" But Daniels, reportedly bound by the non-disclosure agreement about the alleged fling, revealed little -- laughing awkwardly, flashing tight-lipped smiles and deflecting Kimmel's questions at every chance. "I thought this was a talk show, not a horror movie," she said as Kimmel read from the transcript of a 2011 In Touch magazine interview, only recently published and reportedly about the liaison. As for Melania, her opinions and goals have remained a mystery to millions of Americans. She is a former model who once posed nude in her husband's private jet, and the first foreign-born wife of a US president in nearly 200 years. She spent her first months as first lady living in New York, and refused to move to the White House until their young son Barron finished the school year. She makes few public speeches, and is rarely seen in Washington.

State of Union address: Melania braves public eye after Trump cheating claim

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Trump, Gaza war, Putin, and more: Key takeaways from Joe Biden's State of the Union address 2024

Here's why Democratic congresswomen wore white to Biden's State of the Union address

State of Union address: Melania braves public eye after Trump cheating claim