‘Disgusting’: Nancy Pelosi criticised for tearing up Donald Trump’s State of the Union speech

Nancy Pelosi could not hide her disdain for Donald Trump’s address, a former US House Speaker claiming he was ‘insulted’ by her actions.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has drawn criticism for tearing up Donald Trump’s State of the Union speech, an action which “disgusted and insulted” a former House Speaker.

As the US President concluded his State of the Union speech, Ms Pelosi ripped the copy of the address that Mr Trump handed her at the beginning.

She set the scraps on the desk, not bothering to hide her disdain for the president’s presentation in front of the cameras.

Asked afterwards by a reporter to give a reason for her gesture, Ms Pelosi replied: “Because it was the courteous thing to do, considering the alternatives.”

And in a follow-up tweet, the 79-year-old said Democrats would “never stop extending the hand of friendship to get the job done.”

Democrats will never stop extending the hand of friendship to get the job done #ForThePeople. We will work to find common ground where we can, but will stand our ground where we cannot. #SOTU pic.twitter.com/ELJqR9q4xD

— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) February 5, 2020

Republicans and conservative commentators denounced her action as disrespectful.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said Ms Pelosi’s actions weren’t “clever or cute”.

“As Speaker of the House for four State of the Unions by a President of the other party I am disgusted and insulted by the viciously partisan action of Nancy Pelosi tearing up the speech,” Gingrich said. “She isn’t clever or cute her childishness insults our American traditions -should be censured.”

As Speaker of the House for four State of the Unions by a President of the other party I am disgusted and insulted by the viciously partisan action of Nancy Pelosi tearing up the speech.She isn’t clever or cute her childishness insults our American traditions -should be censured.

— Newt Gingrich (@newtgingrich) February 5, 2020

The former US ambassador to the UN under Mr Trump, Nikki Haley, said Ms Pelosi should “remember others are watching”.

“This was unbecoming of someone at her level in office,” she said.

Disappointed to see @SpeakerPelosi rip up the speech that mentioned lives we’ve lost and heroes we celebrated at the SOTU. No matter how you feel or what you disagree with, remember others are watching. This was unbecoming of someone at her level in office.

— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) February 5, 2020

Republican senator Ted Cruz said Ms Pelosi and the “Democrats displayed their contempt for millions of hardworking people across the country”.

My #SOTU2020 reaction with @seanhannity: @realDonaldTrump delivered a powerful #SOTU highlighting victories for all Americans, while @SpeakerPelosi and Democrats displayed their contempt for millions of hardworking people across the country. pic.twitter.com/7nDVPNn2oO

— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) February 5, 2020

Republican congressional candidate Ronny Jackson described Ms Pelosi’s actions as “shameful”.

“Nancy Pelosi once again the flag bearer for a party that has NO respect for the office of the Presidency/NO sense of what it really means to be an American!” he said.

“Embarrassed and scared for our country.”

Nancy Pelosi once again the flag bearer for a party that has NO respect for the office of the Presidency/NO sense of what it really means to be an American! Shameful! Embarrassed and scared for our country.
Thank God @realDonaldTrump is going to be our President for 4 MORE YRS! pic.twitter.com/5qkAExqIDN

— Ronny Jackson (@RonnyJackson4TX) February 5, 2020

Conservative commentator Michelle Malkin hit out at the optics of the stunt, saying Ms Pelosi tore up “Trump’s soaring coda to American heritage and greatness”.

Way to go with the optics @SpeakerPelosi - tearing up #SOTU speech after President Trump's soaring coda to American heritage and greatness. pic.twitter.com/fmm1kRpsmp

— Michelle Malkin (@michellemalkin) February 5, 2020

Before he began his address, Mr Trump appeared to pointedly snub the House Speaker. Arriving at the rostrum, Mr Trump handed copies of his speech to Ms Pelosi and Vice-President Mike Pence. As Ms Pelosi appeared to offer her hand to shake, Mr Trump turned away. Ms Pelosi appeared momentarily disconcerted before shrugging and sitting down.

Mr Trump delivered a triumphant State of the Union speech on the eve of near certain acquittal in his impeachment trial, setting the stage for his re-election bid with a boast of “I keep my promises.”

Mr Trump said his policies of deregulation and tax cuts – criticised by opponents as harming the environment and favouring the wealthy over the poor – were responsible for “unparalleled success” in the economy.

“Jobs are booming. Incomes are soaring. Poverty is plummeting,” he said, adding “the years of economic decay are over.”

With The Wall Street Journal , AFP