Trump says he still plans to deliver the State of the Union on the House floor next week

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!"
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.
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
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
Bondi stonewalls on Epstein, Comey in Senate face-off
Speed Read Attorney General Pam Bondi denied charges of using the Justice Department in service of Trump’s personal vendettas
-
Court allows Trump’s Texas troops to head to Chicago
Speed Read Trump is ‘using our service members as pawns in his illegal effort to militarize our nation’s cities,’ said Gov. J.B. Pritzker
-
Judge bars Trump’s National Guard moves in Oregon
Speed Read In an emergency hearing, a federal judge blocked President Donald Trump from sending National Guard troops into Portland
-
Museum head ousted after Trump sword gift denial
Speed Read Todd Arrington, who led the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, denied the Trump administration a sword from the collection as a gift for King Charles
-
Trump declares ‘armed conflict’ with drug cartels
speed read This provides a legal justification for recent lethal military strikes on three alleged drug trafficking boats
-
Supreme Court rules for Fed’s Cook in Trump feud
Speed Read Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook can remain in her role following Trump’s attempts to oust her
-
Judge rules Trump illegally targeted Gaza protesters
Speed Read The Trump administration’s push to arrest and deport international students for supporting Palestine is deemed illegal
-
Trump: US cities should be military ‘training grounds’
Speed Read In a hastily assembled summit, Trump said he wants the military to fight the ‘enemy within’ the US