Mike Johnson's Surprising Reaction to Joe Biden's State of the Union

House Speaker Mike Johnson appeared to nod at a number of President Joe Biden's remarks during his State of the Union (SOTU) speech on Thursday.

In videos posted on X, formerly Twitter, Johnson is seen nodding while Biden discusses U.S. support for Ukraine and a proposal to cap the cost of insulin. Newsweek has contacted Johnson's office by email for comment.

Commentators reacted with surprise online to Johnson's behavior. One wrote: "Speaker Mike Johnson seems to agree with Biden's proposal to cap the cost of insulin, nodding in agreement."

Meanwhile, Jenna Ellis, a former lawyer for Donald Trump, wrote: "Why is Speaker Johnson clapping at Biden's demand of Congress to act on codifying Roe???????"

The Context

The president spoke for around 68 minutes on Thursday in his annual speech before Congress. The Democrat covered a range of themes including the economy and foreign policy as he sought to make his reelection case to the American people. The address was well received by political experts, although Republicans spoke out against it.

What We Know

Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, is a Biden opponent who has opposed his efforts to secure more aid for Ukraine and has spoken out against his economic and social policies.

This SOTU speech was the first during which Johnson has led the GOP, as he became House speaker in October.

At other points during the speech, Johnson behaved in a different manner. When Biden talked about ending cancer, politicians in the audience stood and clapped, but Johnson, while applauding, remained seated.

At another point in the speech, he appeared to roll his eyes and shake his head.

After Biden's speech, Johnson told Fox News' Sean Hannity that he thought Biden was "desperate."

"He's the most unpopular president who has ever run for reelection," Johnson said.

He also addressed his facial expressions in the same interview. "There's a lot of memes I guess going round tonight about my facial expressions," Johnson said. "I did not like the speech, I don't think the American people liked it, and there wasn't much I could do about that. I guess I didn't hide that very well."

Views

Speaking to The New York Times, presidential historian Douglas Brinkley said: "I am afraid he may have practiced it in front of a mirror," specifically about Johnson's negative expressions.

What's Next?

This was Biden's last SOTU address before voters go to the polls in the November presidential election where he will most likely face Trump.

Update 3/8/24, 6:25 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.