President Donald Trump said in a late night tweet on Wednesday that he would delay a State of the Union address until the government shutdown was over, responding to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s move to block his plans for the speech.
The president tweeted the news 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.
In response, Pelosi took the opportunity to encourage the president to support a bill to fund the government while discussions over border security continue, saying: “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.”
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