Summary

  • President Joe Biden has given a sweeping State of the Union address, setting out the key issues likely to feature in his re-election campaign

  • He took repeated swipes at Donald Trump - his likely opponent in November's election - criticising his recent comments about Russia and Nato

  • He defended abortion rights and said he would work to restore them nationwide if re-elected

  • Biden also pitched his record on the economy, telling the crowded House chamber that "America’s comeback is building a future of American possibilities"

  • Trump said his rival was to blame for the border crisis, and called the speech an "embarrassment" in a series of social media posts

  • Alabama Senator Katie Britt, delivering the formal Republican rebuttal, said the "American Dream turned into the American nightmare" under Biden

Live Reporting

Edited by Emily McGarvey

  1. A big night for Biden

    Emily McGarvey
    Live editor, in Washington DC

    Joe Biden speaking from the White HouseEPA

    Welcome to our live coverage of US President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address to Congress - one of the most momentous occasions of the political calendar in Washington DC.

    The Democrat will tout his accomplishments in office starting at 21:00 EST (02:00 GMT on Wednesday).

    It will be his third State of the Union speech - and the last before November’s presidential election, so an opportunity for him to speak directly to the nation.

    The event is highly choreographed but will likely feature several surprises along the way, as these speeches always do.

    Stay with us for updates throughout the night - you'll be able to stream Biden's speech live at the top of the page.