Will Trump’s State of the Union address be delayed?
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says there will be no speech as long as government is shut down

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has asked Donald Trump to delay his 29 January State of the Union address because of the partial government shutdown.
In a letter to the US president, Pelosi cited “security concerns” as the reason why she believes he should postpone appearing before a joint session of Congress, and went as far as suggesting he could “submit a written message instead”, The New York Times says.
“Sadly, given the security concerns and unless government re-opens this week, I suggest that we work together to determine another suitable date after government has re-opened,” Pelosi said.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Politico says the letter was a “daring move, one that appeared to catch the White House off guard”, noting that it showed exactly how Pelosi operates.
“Trump may have finally met his match in Nancy Pelosi,” says the site, and by proposing he reschedule his speech she has “pulled her most aggressive gambit yet”.
The Washington Post says that the State of the Union address usually occurs at the invitation of the House speaker, and that the “House and Senate must pass a resolution to formalise the invitation” – something that has not happened this year.
Financial analysis firm S&P estimates that the shutdown cost the US economy $3.6bn from when it started on 22 December to 11 January.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Nvidia: unstoppable force, or powering down?
Talking Point Sales of firm's AI-powering chips have surged above market expectations –but China is the elephant in the room
-
5 hard-working cartoons about Labor Day celebrations
Cartoons Artists take on creation of AI, spelling mistakes, and more
-
Crossword: September 7, 2025
The Week's daily crossword puzzle
-
China's Xi hosts Modi, Putin, Kim in challenge to US
Speed Read Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other Asian leaders at an SCO summit
-
What is Tony Blair's plan for Gaza?
Today's Big Question Former PM has reportedly been putting together a post-war strategy 'for the past several months'
-
China is silently expanding its influence in American cities
Under the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
-
What will security guarantees for Ukraine look like?
Today's Big Question From boots on the ground to economic sanctions, here are the measures that might stop Russia taking another bite out of Ukraine
-
Will Ukraine trade territory for peace?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION Kyiv’s defences are wearing thin but a land swap is constitutionally impossible and crosses Zelenskyy's red lines
-
Russia tries Ukraine land grab before Trump summit
Speed Read The incursion may be part of Putin's efforts to boost his bargaining position
-
Europe counters Putin ahead of Trump summit
Speed Read President Trump will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska this week for Ukraine peace talks
-
Is Trump's new peacemaking model working in DR Congo?
Talking Point Truce brokered by the US president in June is holding, but foundations of a long-term peace have let to be laid