President Trump still plans to deliver the State of the Union on the House floor on Jan. 29 in spite of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's (D-Calif) objections.
In a letter to Pelosi Wednesday, Trump said that there are "no security concerns" with having the event during the government shutdown. This is what Pelosi had cited in her letter to Trump last week asking to postpone the speech, but Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said having the event on Jan. 29 was not a problem. "Therefore, I will be honoring your invitation and fulfilling my Constitutional duty" next Tuesday, Trump wrote.
Trump concluded by telling Pelosi that "it would be so very sad for our Country if the State of the Union were not delivered on time, on schedule, and very importantly, on location!"
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The president cannot actually deliver his speech on the House floor next week unless the House passes a resolution approving it. ABC News reported that Republicans were encouraging Trump to announce his intention to speak next Tuesday, therefore requiring her to actually disinvite him if she wants a delay. If she were to do so, the plan is reportedly for Trump to instead speak at a rally on Tuesday. But for now, the ball's in Pelosi's court. Brendan Morrow
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