Marjorie Taylor Greene mocked for dressing ‘like Cruella de Vil’ at State of the Union
The controversial Republican congresswoman repeatedly interrupted Joe Biden’s speech, but her outfit drew as much attention as her heckling
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.In the hours preceding Joe Biden's State of the Union address on Tuesday night, it was clear that Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene hoped to draw as much attention as possible to herself.
Yet few could have anticipated her elaborate white fur outfit, which drew mockery and numerous comparisons to the Disney villain Cruella de Vil on social media.
"I think when the State of the Union is over, @RepMTG will be looking for some dalmatians to kill," joked the comedy writer Travon Free on Twitter, posting a photo of Ms Greene's voluminous fur coat and towering collar.
"Marjorie Taylor Greene's coat is made from the dogs George Santos said he was rescuing," quipped PR consultant and former Department of Defence aide Adam Blickstein, referring to claims that embattled New York Republican George Santos lied about running a pet rescue charity.
Elie Mystal, a reporter for The Nation, described it the ensemble as “some kind of Cruella de Vil outfit”, while left-wing radio host Emma Vigeland compared it to the costume worn by Tilda Swinton as the nefarious White Witch in 2005’s film adaptation of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
The odd vestments were part of what appeared to be a concerted effort by Ms Greene to hog the limelight during Mr Biden's speech, in which he touted progress on inflation and jobs while urging Congress to pass a minimum tax for billionaires and a police reform bill.
When the President accused some Republicans of wanting to cut Social Security and Medicare benefits, Ms Greene shouted "liar!", prompting Mr Biden to retort that he would hold them to that promise.
Later, Ms Greene heckled again during a section on America's fentanyl crisis, after Mr Biden had paid tribute to a 20-year-old overdose victim. "It's coming from China!" she shouted, prompting a loud “shhhh!” from newly elected House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
The far-right congresswoman had previously said she would bring a white balloon to the address, riffing on the recent intrusion of a high-altitude Chinese spy balloon into US airspace.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments