The White House has said the United States President Donald Trump will proceed with his state of union address next week at the Capitol despite House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s threat for Trump to postpone his speech until the partial shutdown of the government does not end.
According to Sputnik news reports, the White House confirmed on Tuesday, that its officials have sent a letter to the House Sergeant-at-Arms urging to reschedule for the annual speech, Fox News reported. Earlier scheduled walk-through was once postponed due to the disagreements over the dates proposed between Pelosi and Trump.
In an email, the White House’s director of presidential advance Bobby Peede wrote: “Given that we have lost valuable time over the past week my team would like to re-schedule the walkthrough for this Monday, if at all possible. Our team would consist of POTUS/OVP staff advance, USSS PPD/VPD, and WHMO components. We understand that the House Chamber may not be available or be in session and would be happy to meet at any time, day or night.”
Last week, Pelosi has asked Trump to postpone his scheduled speech of 29 January due to security concerns caused by the federal shutdown, asking Trump to reschedule dates until after the government reopens or deliver the request in writing to Congress.
Instead of responding to Pelosi’s request, Trump ordered the cancellation of Pelosi’s official trip to Brussels and Afghanistan, aimed at shutdown-related concerns, stating the reason of shutdown.
In a Twitter post, stating other option to deliver the state of union address, Trump wrote: “Nancy, I am still thinking about the State of 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. While a contract is a contract, I’ll get back to you soon!”
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. While a contract is a contract, I’ll get back to you soon!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2019
Moreover, the White House officials said they are all set to move the Trump’s speech to another venue. However, a senior homeland security official told Fox News that since the last month, they have been preparing for a state of union event.
The official said, “We are ready.” He said, “Despite the fact members of the secret services are not being paid, the protective mission has not changed.” Though, still, it is unclear whether Trump will address on January 29 or not. Both Pelosi’s office and the Sergeant-at-Arms have refused to comment over the matter.
White House spokesman Hogan Gidley, cited by Fox News, said “Nancy Pelosi does not dictate to the president when he will or will not have a conversation with the American people”, yet confirmed there is no official announcement over the date of the address.