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

Ukraine's first lady Olena Zelenska has declined US First Lady Jill Biden's invitation to attend Thursday's (March 7) State of the Union address. Another invitee, Yulia Navalnaya, the wife of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in an Arctic prison, has also decided to forego one of Washington's most dignified events.&nbsp;

<h2>A plan spoiled</h2>

As per a Washington Post report citing officials familiar with the event's planning, the intent was to seat the two women on either side of Jill Biden.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-us-airdrops-fresh-round-of-humanitarian-aid-to-gaza-36800-meals-delivered-697053">Israel-Hamas war: US airdrops fresh round of humanitarian aid to Gaza; 36,800 meals delivered</a>

Reportedly, this arrangement would have symbolised resistance to Russian President Vladimir Putin and provided a powerful backdrop to President Biden’s address to a joint session of Congress.

<h2>Why did they cancel?</h2>

The potential presence of Navalnaya is believed to have been a cause of discomfort to the Ukrainians. This is because Navalny's past statements regarding Crimea being part of Russia have clouded his legacy in Ukraine.

Despite Navalny later supporting Ukraine's internationally recognised borders, many Ukrainians continue to view the Kremlin critic as out of step with their goals.

A White House official cited "schedule conflicts" as the reason for Zelenska’s decision and said that the seating arrangement is typically finalised near the end of the planning process.

Navalnaya also declined the invitation, citing fatigue following her husband's recent death.&nbsp;

Her spokesperson Kira Yarmysh said, "I think everyone forgets the circumstances against which the events unfolded."

"Yulia's husband died two weeks ago. She's been travelling all this time. Today is the first day she's been home at all. Like any human being, she needs time to recover, and so while she very much appreciates the invitation, she needs to recover at least a little now," she added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/love-you-more-and-more-alexei-navalnys-last-message-for-his-wife-from-jail-691011">‘Love you more and more,’ Navalny’s last message for his wife Yulia. Who is she?</a>

This year, guests may include the parents of Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter detained in Russia, the first person born via in-vitro fertilisation in the United States, and families of Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip.

As of now, there is only confirmation of one guest, Kate Cox, a Dallas-area woman who was forced to seek an abortion outside of Texas after a near-total ban in the state. The abortion was made necessary by a fetal genetic condition.

<h2>Biden and Ukraine</h2>

Ukraine is currently lobbying House Republicans to support President Joe Biden's request for $60 billion in aid.&nbsp;

In his address, Biden is expected to urge House Republicans to pass the Ukraine funding quickly.

The government of President Volodymyr Zelensky has reportedly been seeking to avoid being seen as too closely aligned with Biden to prevent further politicisation of the war effort.&nbsp;

As per the report, this could also be because of the possibility that Republican Donald Trump may replace him in the White House after the November elections.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine's first lady Olena Zelenska has declined US First Lady Jill Biden's invitation to attend Thursday's (March 7) State of the Union address. Another invitee, Yulia Navalnaya, the wife of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in an Arctic prison, has also decided to forego one of Washington's most dignified events.

Ukraine's first lady Olena Zelenska has declined US First Lady Jill Biden's invitation to attend Thursday's (March 7) State of the Union address. Another invitee, Yulia Navalnaya, the wife of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in an Arctic prison, has also decided to forego one of Washington's most dignified events. A plan spoiled As per a Washington Post report citing officials familiar with the event's planning, the intent was to seat the two women on either side of Jill Biden. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: US airdrops fresh round of humanitarian aid to Gaza; 36,800 meals delivered Reportedly, this arrangement would have symbolised resistance to Russian President Vladimir Putin and provided a powerful backdrop to President Biden’s address to a joint session of Congress. Why did they cancel? The potential presence of Navalnaya is believed to have been a cause of discomfort to the Ukrainians. This is because Navalny's past statements regarding Crimea being part of Russia have clouded his legacy in Ukraine. Despite Navalny later supporting Ukraine's internationally recognised borders, many Ukrainians continue to view the Kremlin critic as out of step with their goals. A White House official cited "schedule conflicts" as the reason for Zelenska’s decision and said that the seating arrangement is typically finalised near the end of the planning process. Navalnaya also declined the invitation, citing fatigue following her husband's recent death. Her spokesperson Kira Yarmysh said, "I think everyone forgets the circumstances against which the events unfolded." "Yulia's husband died two weeks ago. She's been travelling all this time. Today is the first day she's been home at all. Like any human being, she needs time to recover, and so while she very much appreciates the invitation, she needs to recover at least a little now," she added. Also read | ‘Love you more and more,’ Navalny’s last message for his wife Yulia. Who is she? This year, guests may include the parents of Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter detained in Russia, the first person born via in-vitro fertilisation in the United States, and families of Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip. As of now, there is only confirmation of one guest, Kate Cox, a Dallas-area woman who was forced to seek an abortion outside of Texas after a near-total ban in the state. The abortion was made necessary by a fetal genetic condition. Biden and Ukraine Ukraine is currently lobbying House Republicans to support President Joe Biden's request for $60 billion in aid. In his address, Biden is expected to urge House Republicans to pass the Ukraine funding quickly. The government of President Volodymyr Zelensky has reportedly been seeking to avoid being seen as too closely aligned with Biden to prevent further politicisation of the war effort. As per the report, this could also be because of the possibility that Republican Donald Trump may replace him in the White House after the November elections. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine's first lady and Alexei Navalny's wife decline Jill Biden's invitation to State of the Union address