The House speaker’s gesture at the very end encapsulated the seething atmosphere in the Capitol throughout Trump’s one hour and 18 minutes speech. Instead of what traditionally has been an annual moment for political truce, this State of the Union mirrored the political war raging through the country ahead of November elections. Impeachment trial hangs over Trump state of union speechTrump was still on the podium, having just completed the soaring finale to his speech when Pelosi, standing just behind him, raised the papers and demonstratively tore them to pieces. Democrats responded to Trump’s speech, where he proclaimed a “great American comeback” and touted his achievements, by refusing to follow Republicans in repeated standing ovations. Much of Trump’s speech was taken up with proclaiming his successful economic policies and the “America first” outlook.

Source: The Express Tribune February 05, 2020 05:48 UTC