(Photo: REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque)
The raging feud between House majority leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and president Donald Trump overshadowed the latter's State of the Union speech Tuesday evening at the House of Representatives as an angry Pelosi tore-up a copy of Trump's speech after Trump earlier snubbed her by not shaking her hand.
Asked afterward why she ripped-up the speech, Pelosi said it was "the courteous thing to do given the alternative," which was likely her walking-out. She later said more about her action in a tweet:
"The manifesto of mistruths presented in page after page of the address tonight should be a call to action for everyone who expects truth from the President and policies worthy of his office and the American people. #SOTU."
Paul Kane, a Washington Post congressional reporter, tweeted about what happened next. "Pelosi walked off the podium to Dem side. She took the torn-up speech and waved it to her family and friends up in the suite reserved for the Speaker's VIPs. Never seen a SOTU like this one."
Pelosi's unheard of slap to Trump's face quickly went viral on social media. It was witnessed live by millions of TV viewers worldwide. It wasn't the first time Pelosi has stepped on Trump's toes, however.
Pelosi also took a dig at Trump during the latter's State of the Union address in 2019 by sarcastically applauding him after he finished his speech. Her version of clapping got her the nickname "The Queen of Condescending Applause."
Trump's 2020 speech saw a visibly angry Pelosi endure more than an hour of Trump assailing Democrats while praising himself to high heavens. To loud applause from Republicans and resounding "Boos!" from Democrats, Trump bragged about all his accomplishments while bashing Democrats and his predecessor, Barack Obama, for their alleged failings.
"Dems loudly groaned when Trump discussed how he "reversed" things from Obama admin," tweeted Kane.
Trump then launched into a Democrat-bashing spree. He said, "If we hadn't reversed the failed economic policies of the previous administration the world would not now be witnessing this great economic success." Democrats, upset at his uncalled for attack on the Obama administration loudly booed him.
Democrats again booed loudly when Trump compared his administration's achievements to that of Obama's. Trump wasted no time in belittling Medicare-for-all, a cherished goal for Democrat Progressives saying:
"One hundred thirty-two lawmakers in this room have endorsed legislation to impose a socialist takeover of our healthcare system, wiping out the private health insurance plans of 180 million Americans. To those watching at home tonight, I want you to know: We will never let socialism destroy American healthcare!"
Trump also assailed Democrats for endorsing plans to provide healthcare for illegal immigrants, "forcing taxpayers to subsidize free care for anyone in the world who unlawfully crosses our borders."
