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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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Clark Mindock5 February 2020 02:19

Here's a video of the now infamous non-handshake:

Clark Mindock5 February 2020 02:21

So far during this speech we're seeing a very divided Congress, with Republicans seeming very excited to hear what the president has to say.

Democrats are, meanwhile, a bit less enthused.

Clark Mindock5 February 2020 02:22

Trump now touting criminal justice reforms. Noting that the issue has been difficult for many presidents before him, he said, "I got it done. And the people in this room got it done."

Clark Mindock5 February 2020 02:23

Trump brags that the United States is a leading producer of oil and gas, because of his de-regulation efforts.

Clark Mindock5 February 2020 02:24

Here's a live stream of the president's speech:

Clark Mindock5 February 2020 02:25

Trump touts his efforts to replace Nafta:

"Many politicians came and went, pledging to change or replace NAFTA – only to do absolutely nothing.  But unlike so many who came before me, I keep my promises, we did our job.  Six days ago, I replaced NAFTA and signed the brand new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement into law."

Clark Mindock5 February 2020 02:26

Trump says "we have perhaps the best relationship we've ever had with China", referencing another trade priority of his (the administration announced an ending of trade aggressions earlier this year).

Clark Mindock5 February 2020 02:28

President points to Juan Guaido in the stands, who is receiving an extended standing ovation in the US Congress.

"Thank you Mr President, great honor," Trump said.

Clark Mindock5 February 2020 02:30

Trump says that the US has invested $2.2 trillion in the US military.

Clark Mindock5 February 2020 02:32

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