Biden blasts Putin for 'sowing chaos throughout Europe & beyond' and vows 'I will not bow down'

U.S. President Joe Biden's State of the Union speech on Thursday (March 7) evening aimed to remind Americans how the economy has recovered since the COVID-19 pandemic, and draw a sharp contrast between himself and Republican candidate Donald Trump. Biden, 81, did not mention Trump, 77, by name, but he made clear jabs at Trump and Republicans on a number of issues ranging from democracy, January 6 and Republican opposition to a bipartisan bill to boost border security. Biden also vowed to raise taxes on wealthy Americans and large companies, announcing plans in his State of the Union address to hike corporate minimum taxes and cut deductions for executive pay and corporate jets. Biden previewed the steps that will be part of a proposed fiscal 2025 budget released next week that aims to decrease the federal deficit by $3 trillion over ten years while cutting taxes for low-income Americans and aiding middle-class homebuyers. The tax plans are expected to form a core part of t