Nancy Pelosi did not hide her feelings at the end of Donald Trump's State of the Union address Tuesday night. After the president refused to address America's gun violence crisis, falsely told citizens the economy is the best it's ever been (you can see a full fact check of the SOTU speech here), and made sure to get a soundbite informing Americans that we're going to be the first country to "get a flag on Mars," Pelosi was not having it. Before Trump even left the podium, the speaker of the House tore up her copy of Trump's speech, threw it on the desk, and exited the House chamber.
An icon.
As President Trump’s State of the Union speech ended, Speaker Nancy Pelosi ripped up her copy of his address, capping a decidedly chilly confrontation between the two https://t.co/DtHZIJVkGt pic.twitter.com/kTWqBfw0rRFebruary 5, 2020
When asked why she tore up the speech, Pelosi responded, "It was the courteous thing to do, considering the alternative." The SOTU address occurred the night before the Senate is expected to acquit Trump in his impeachment trial. A reminder: Whether or not Trump gets removed from office, he is still impeached.
“It was the courteous thing to do, considering the alternative" - @SpeakerPelosi on why she tore up Donald Trump’s State of the Union speech pic.twitter.com/VaZ0FR9uZ0February 5, 2020
The Twitter reactions to the speech rip are incredible:
“It was the courteous thing to do, considering the alternative" - @SpeakerPelosi on why she tore up Donald Trump’s State of the Union speech pic.twitter.com/VaZ0FR9uZ0February 5, 2020
It's hard to care about Republicans' outrage over Nancy Pelosi tearing up Trump's speech when they just spent the last two weeks tearing up the Constitution.#classlessFebruary 5, 2020
Pelosi should take that speech ripping energy and direct it into non-stop investigations of the administration.February 5, 2020
Hey Donald Trump, look on the bright side. Because everyone is focusing on how Nancy Pelosi heroically ripped up your #classless speech, no one is focusing on the part where you said “stanktuary” instead of “sanctuary.”February 5, 2020
BIG PELOSI ENERGY 2020‼️ https://t.co/CDqfYI0RZ4February 5, 2020
“Because it was a courteous thing to do considering the alternative. It was such a dirty speech.”-- Speaker Nancy Pelosi, when asked why she ripped up Trump's speech on national televisionHero. Queen. Legend.#SOTUFebruary 5, 2020
I just saw someone say something online that really resonated with me: that with a flick of her wrist Pelosi may well have—in the view of history—overshadowed Trump's whole speech. There's a sense in which there's huge power and courage in that—how an act of resistance resonates.February 5, 2020
my president wears white https://t.co/47ZupeQVBlFebruary 5, 2020
Before Trump gave his address, he refused to shake Pelosi's hand. Then, in the middle of the address, he had Fred Guttenberg, father of Parkland shooting victim Jaimie Guttenberg and tireless gun reform advocate, kicked out for calling out Trump while he talked about protecting the Second Amendment. The hashtag #ImWithFred started trending. Guttenberg apologized on Wednesday morning for yelling out, stating that his emotions got the best of him.
#ICYMI - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi extended her hand to President Trump before the State of Union, but the president did not shake it. pic.twitter.com/OuaIvoTYIIFebruary 5, 2020
.@fred_guttenberg lost his daughter in the Parkland shooting and has worked every day since to end gun violence.Tonight he stood up to a president that believes peace and the second amendment are mutually exclusive and was removed.#ImWithFred pic.twitter.com/RprctMp2iEFebruary 5, 2020
With all that said, making sure you're registered to vote has never been more important. Find out your state's voter registration deadlines here.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
-
A Nationwide Reaction to the 2024 ElectionHow are people feeling in this moment? Marie Claire spoke to folks across the country to find out what they were thinking as they cast their votes and waited to hear the results.
-
The Historic Election Victories Worth CelebratingIncluding momentous firsts, abortion protections, and New York's "Equal Rights Amendment."
-
Kamala Harris Has Lost the 2024 Presidential ElectionIt's official.
-
Donald Trump Is Ordered to Pay E. Jean Carroll $83.3 Million in DamagesCarroll had filed two defamation suits against the former president.
-
E. Jean Carroll Triumphs Over Donald Trump In Civil SuitA jury found him liable for sexual abuse and defamation.
-
36 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to MenIt's just one of the many ways women still aren't equal to men.
-
How New York's First Female Governor Plans to Fight for Women If ReelectedKathy Hochul twice came to power because men resigned amid sexual harassment scandals. Here, how she's leading differently.
-
Why the 2022 Midterm Elections Are So CriticalAs we blaze through a highly charged midterm election season, Swing Left Executive Director Yasmin Radjy highlights rising stars who are fighting for women’s rights.
