Trump will not give a speech until after the partial government shutdown is over.
The president tweeted the news in a two-part missive just before midnight, saying, "As the Shutdown was going on, Nancy Pelosi asked me to give the State of the Union Address. I agreed. She then changed her mind because of the Shutdown, suggesting a later date. This is her prerogative - I will do the Address when the Shutdown is over."
He ended speculation he might look to give the speech in a location other than the House of Representatives as well, saying he's not looking for another venue.
As the Shutdown was going on, Nancy Pelosi asked me to give the State of the Union Address. I agreed. She then changed her mind because of the Shutdown, suggesting a later date. This is her prerogative - I will do the Address when the Shutdown is over. I am not looking for an.alternative venue for the SOTU Address because there is no venue that can compete with the history, tradition and importance of the House Chamber. I look forward to giving a “great” State of the Union Address in the near future!" Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 24, 2019
In response, Pelosi took the opportunity to encourage the president to support a bill to fund the government while discussions over border security continue.
"Mr. President, I hope by saying 'near future' you mean you will support the House-passed package to #EndTheShutdown that the Senate will vote on tomorrow," she said. "Please accept this proposal so we can re-open government, repay our federal workers and then negotiate our differences." .....— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) January 24, 2019
The bill is mostly likely dead on arrival in the Republican-controlled Senate.
It's the latest twist in their political and seemingly personal feud earlier Wednesday, Pelosi sent a letter to Trump saying there would be no State of the Union address in the House chamber until after the partial government shutdown ends, effectively rescinding her invitation to the president.
"When I extended an invitation on January 3rd for you to deliver the State of the Union address, it was on the mutually agreed upon date, January 29th. At that time, there was no thought that the government would still be shut down," her letter said.
"I am writing to inform you that the House of Representatives will not consider a concurrent resolution authorizing the President’s State of the Union address in the House Chamber until government has opened," Pelosi, D-Calif., said.
The resolution is necessary to authorize the president to address a joint session of Congress.
"Again, I look forward to welcoming you to the House on a mutually agreeable date for this address when government has been opened," Pelosi's letter continued.
Trump says he will not give State of the Union until after shutdown ends - ABC News
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