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As it happenedended

State of the Union: Trump interrupted by chanting as Pelosi rips up address on live TV

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Clark Mindock
New York
,Alex Woodward
Tuesday 04 February 2020 23:42 EST
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Nancy Pelosi rips up Trump's State of the Union speech in front of him

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Donald Trump has delivered his third State of the Union, a high-profile address made this year in the shadow of an ongoing impeachment trial and months away from the president's re-election.

The optimistic speech came just a day after Democrats oversaw a breakdown in its election processes in Iowa, where the 2020 Democratic primary season got off to a disastrous start that has still failed to deliver results nearly a day later.

But Mr Trump's speech was not without its own discord. Just before the address, the president was seen appearing to snub a handshake attempt from Ms Pelosi.

Then, after the speech, Ms Pelosi added to the night's drama by tearing up her copy of the speech, in plain view of the president and the cameras broadcasting the address across the nation.

The president had focused in his address on perceived victories over the past three years, and has remarked on his priorities for the coming year, reportedly including middle class tax cuts, school choice, immigration and the military.

He told one Philadelphia student that she would be getting a school scholarship, surprised a military family with the return of their soldier from Afghanistan and also instructed the first lady to give Rush Limbaugh the presidential medal of freedom, the highest honour for a citizen in the US.

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Weinstein accuser to attend SOTU tonight

Rowena Chiu, Harvey Weinstein's former assistant and accuser, is attending the event tonight alongside congresswoman Katherine Clark.

Read more here:

Clark Mindock5 February 2020 00:55

Donald Trump leaves the White House

The president has just left the White House and is now in "the Beast", which is his armored limousine.

Clark Mindock5 February 2020 01:38

Billy Porter delivers his own State of the Union

The star pre-empted the president to talk about the state of the union for the LGBTQ community.

Clark Mindock5 February 2020 01:45

Senators enter the House chambers

The Senate has now joined the House, where vice president Mike Pence and House speaker Nancy Pelosi are already waiting.

We could see the pair chatting cordially on the dais, where the president will speak tonight once he arrives at the Capitol.

Clark Mindock5 February 2020 01:49

Supreme Court justices arrive

Led by Chief Justice John Roberts, the nine justices arrived to much applause.

You may recognize Justice Roberts from his time overseeing the impeachment trial in the Senate. He'll be back there tomorrow for a final vote.

Clark Mindock5 February 2020 01:57

Ivanka Trump channels the Blair Witch Project

Ms Trump is now in the House chambers alongside her husband Jared Kushner, but released this video online beforehand. It has been met with a fair amount of mocking jokes online.

Clark Mindock5 February 2020 02:00

Melania Trump has arrived

The first lady is wearing an all black outfit, and has been met by vigorous clapping from Republicans.

Clark Mindock5 February 2020 02:01

Cabinet has arrived

The president's cabinet is now in the building, led by secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Clark Mindock5 February 2020 02:01

The president has now arrived

Mr Trump is wearing a bright red tie, and looks quite serious as he approaches the dais, shaking hands along the aisle.

Clark Mindock5 February 2020 02:05

Trump fails to shake Nancy Pelosi's hand

Ms Pelosi put her hand out for a handshake as the president handed her a copy of his speech, and he immediately turned around.

Clark Mindock5 February 2020 02:07

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