John Roberts of Fox News Confirms Trump Plans To Give State of the Union Speech

President Donald Trump still plans to deliver the State of the Union address, despite Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi rescinding the invitation.

Not backing down

Over a week ago, Speaker Pelosi requested that Trump reconsider giving the State of the Union address before Congress and the country due to the government shutdown. (RELATED: Nancy Pelosi Asks Trump to Delay State of the Union.) Pelosi cited safety concerns and a lack of paid security personnel to justify her request. Here’s what she said in a statement: “Sadly, given the security concerns and unless government re-opens this week, I suggest that we work together to determine another suitable date after government has re-opened for this address or for you to consider delivering your State of the Union address in writing to Congress on January 29.”

President Trump wasn’t pleased with the request. The entire thing came off as political: that Pelosi was trying to deny Trump a national stage from which to blame Democrats for the shutdown. Trump’s hunch was practically confirmed after the Department for Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen confirmed that security would be adequate should the speech happen.

Trump responded to Pelosi’s blatant political request with a move of his own. He canceled the military transportation for Pelosi’s oversees trip to Belgium and Afghanistan. Like Pelosi, he also cited safety concerns. (RELATED: President Trump Responds to Pelosi: Cancels Overseas Trip, Tells Her to Fly Commercial.)

Forging ahead with the State of the Union

The White House is currently considering other options for Trump to deliver the State of the Union. It has mulled the option of having Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell invite Trump to speak. (RELATED: White House Considers Asking Mitch McConnell to Invite Trump to Deliver State of the Union.)

However, whatever the White House and Trump decide, it appears the State of the Union address will be happening no matter what. Fox News’ John Roberts confirmed as much in a series of tweets:

Delivering the SOTU speech outside the District would be a stroke of genius. It would also steal away the load of pomposity that goes along with the annual address and deprive Congress of the kind of publicity it loves.

And even better: It would be a win against Pelosi, who sought to stop Trump from making the speech.

Either way, it appears that Trump is going to deliver the speech.

Jim E. is a true political insider, with experience working both in Washington and outside in real America. Jim... More about Jim E

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