House Speaker Nancy Pelosi requested President Donald Trump to postpone the State of the Union address since the partial government shutdown has reached its 26th day. Pelosi cited security concerns, adding that the president address can wait until government opening on January 29.
“Sadly, given the security concerns and unless government re-opens this week, I suggest that we work together to determine another suitable date after the government has re-opened for this address or for you to consider delivering your State of the Union address in writing to the Congress on January 29th,” Pelosi wrote in her letter.
According to Newsweek, which contacted the White House but did not get a response immediately, so far Capitol Hill has not publicly commented, nor have there been statements issued by President Trump or his press secretary Sarah Sanders.
Last September, as Pelosi highlighted, DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen “designated State of the Union addresses as National Special Security Events, recognizing the need for ‘the full resources of the federal government to be brought to bear’ to ensure the security of these events.” Due to the “weeks of detailed planning with dozens of agencies working together to prepare for the safety of all participants,” Pelosi said it would not be safe.
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