13 photos that show how divided Congress has become

Talia Lakritz,Madison HallJan 13, 2024, 16:09 IST

Marjorie Taylor Greene gives a thumb down as President Joe Biden delivers the State of the Union address on February 7, 2023.Jim Watson/Getty Images

Photos show how breaches of decorum have become more common in an increasingly polarized Congress.
Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert heckled Joe Biden during the State of the Union.

Outbursts, scuffles, and statement outfits have become more common among members of Congress in an increasingly polarized political climate that's fueled an excess of election denialism, the House of Representatives struggling to elect a speaker twice in the same year, and legislative gridlock as the country looks to keep the lights on and fund two wars.

Here are 13 photos that show how divided Congress has become in recent years.

Many Democratic women wore white to President Donald Trump's 2019 State of the Union address, creating a stark contrast in the House Chamber seating.

President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address in the chamber of the US House of Representatives at the Capitol Building on February 5, 2019.Alex Wong/Getty Images

Nancy Pelosi appeared to clap sarcastically during Trump's speech, sparking memes.

President Donald Trump turns to then-House speaker Nancy Pelosi as he delivers his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on February 5, 2019.Doug Mills/The New York Times via AP, Pool

Female Democratic lawmakers wore white again to the 2020 State of the Union.

Members from the House of Representatives, with most Democratic women wearing white, listen to President Donald Trump deliver the State of the Union address at the US Capitol on February 4, 2020.OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images

At the end of Trump's 2020 address, Pelosi ripped up her copy of the speech.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi rips up President Donald Trump's State of the Union speech on February 4, 2020.MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene wore a "Trump won" face mask to take her oath of office after President Joe Biden won the 2020 election.

Marjorie Taylor Greene wears a "Trump won" face mask as she arrives on the floor of the House to take her oath of office on opening day of the 117th Congress on January 3, 2021.Erin Scott/Pool via AP

During Biden's 2022 State of the Union address, Greene and Rep. Lauren Boebert interrupted the speech with frequent outbursts.

Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Taylor Greene scream "Build the wall" as President Joe Biden delivers the State of the Union on March 1, 2022.Evelyn Hockstein-Pool/Getty Images

During a 2022 hearing, the House January 6 committee displayed a photo of Sen. Josh Hawley raising his fist towards rioters before they breached the Capitol.

A photograph of Josh Hawley pumping his fist toward the rioters on January 6, 2021, is shown during a prime-time hearing of the House January 6 committee on July 21, 2022.Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

It took 15 rounds of voting in January to elect Republican Rep. Kevin McCarthy as the new speaker of the House, highlighting tensions within the Republican party.

Kevin McCarthy places his face in his hands as the House of Representatives votes for new speaker on January 4, 2023.OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was photographed smiling in the background as Republican lawmakers argued during the second day of the proceedings.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez looks on as Republican House members speak to one another during the second day of elections for Speaker of the House on January 4, 2023.Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Photos from inside the House Chamber showed the growing frustration — and boredom — with the chaotic votes.

Katie Porter reads a book in the House Chamber during the fourth day of elections for Speaker of the House on January 6, 2023.Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Rep. Mike Rogers appeared to lunge at Rep. Matt Gaetz, who opposed McCarthy's bid for speaker, during the 14th vote.

Richard Hudson pulls Mike Rogers back as they talk with Matt Gaetz during the 14th round of voting for Speaker as the House on January 6, 2023.Andrew Harnik)/AP Photo

As Biden delivered the 2023 State of the Union address, Greene rose from her seat and gave a thumbs-down gesture.