Politics - News Analysis

Trump Might Deliver His State of the Union At Trump Rally — Ignores Pelosi’s Request to Postpone

The White House has requested a walk-through of the U.S. Capitol in anticipation of a State of the Union address next week, despite the request by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to postpone the speech in light of the government shutdown…and one option Trump is considering is giving the SOTU at a Trump rally.

Pelosi, who had invited Trump to deliver his State of the Union on Jan. 29, asked the president a week ago to reschedule or submit the address in writing if the record-breaking shutdown remains in place. She cited “security concerns” brought on by the shutdown, which passed its 32nd day Tuesday.

Trump has never formally responded to Pelosi, but did taunt her in a Sunday tweet.

“Nancy, I am still thinking about the State of the Union speech, there are so many options – including doing it as per your written offer (made during the Shutdown, security is no problem), and my written acceptance,” Trump tweeted. “While a contract is a contract, I’ll get back to you soon!”

Although presidents have traditionally given State of the Union addresses to both senators and representatives gathered in the U.S. House chamber, some lawmakers have suggested Trump use the Senate chamber in light of Pelosi’s request.

ABC News is also reporting that Trump is preparing for two different State of the Union speeches – one a more traditional address delivered to Congress in the House chamber or some other location in D.C., the other prepared for a political rally at a location outside of Washington, D.C. that has yet to be determined.

Trump was previously planning two separate versions of the State of the Union – one version if the government was still shut down and another if the government was open.

However, now the planning has evolved, assuming the government shutdown could drag on past next Tuesday – the expected delivery date of the address. If the president decides to deliver a speech in rally form, it would mark the first rally style event the president has attended since the partial shutdown began.

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