President Biden presented his State of the Union speech to both houses of Congress on Thursday night, dressed in a traditional dark blue suit and light blue tie.
During the widely watched event, numerous legislators used the opportunity to express stronger messages through their attire.
Here are the five most memorable fashion moments.
‘Border crisis’ pins
Several GOP lawmakers sported large red pins criticizing Biden’s management of the southern border. One pin bore the message “Stop the Biden border crisis,” while others featured images of Laken Riley, the Georgia college student allegedly killed by an individual who unlawfully crossed the border.
During one of the most intense parts of the evening, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) shouted, “It’s about Laken Riley,” and other Republicans chanted, “Say her name,” while Biden addressed the border situation.
Biden exhibited a pin Greene had given him upon entering the chamber, which read, “Say her name Laken Riley,” as he spoke to the congresswoman from the dais.
“Laken Riley, an innocent young woman who was killed by an illegal,” he remarked. “To her parents I extend my heartfelt condolences, having experienced the loss of children myself. I comprehend.”
The president faced criticism from immigrant advocates and some within his own party for using the term “illegal” to describe a person.
Wearing white for reproductive rights
Viewers witnessed a sea of white attire on one side of the chamber, as numerous House Democrats opted to wear “suffragette white” in support of reproductive rights.
“We are standing up for your right to make your own health care decisions including abortion,” Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Fla.) shared on X, previously Twitter, before Biden’s speech, along with a photo of a large group of House Democratic women standing united.
Keffiyehs for a cease-fire
Some progressive House Democrats donned keffiyehs, a patterned Arab headscarf that has become a symbol of support for Palestinians.
The scarves are part of an ongoing initiative by several Democratic lawmakers to encourage Biden to facilitate a cease-fire. Reps. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) also displayed signs reading “Lasting Ceasefire Now” during Biden’s speech.
Bold accessories for Trump
While Biden never mentioned him by name, former President Trump was a recurring topic in the president’s State of the Union speech — and he appeared on the clothing of some of his staunchest supporters in Congress.
Greene wore a hat with the message “Make America Great Again” signed by Trump while Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas) wore a T-shirt with Trump’s mug shot. The shirt had the words “Never Surrender!” and was paired with an American flag bow tie and black jacket.
Yellow and blue representing Ukraine
Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.) draped a Ukrainian flag over his shoulders at the State of the Union address to show support for the country, which has been in a two-year-long war with Russia.
Biden urged for increased military support for Ukraine during his speech and specifically criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to distinguish himself from Trump.
House GOP leaders generally express support for Ukraine but they have declined to approve a $60 billion funding request for the country due to border demands.
