Pelosi's trip to Afghanistan had been a closely held secret due to security concerns, of course. Very few people knew she was heading there. @SteveScalise mentioned Pelosi was headed to Brussels in his presser this morning, which angered Dems.
— John Bresnahan (@BresPolitico) January 17, 2019
President Donald Trump, citing The federal government shutdown, significantly postponed Dwelling Speaker Nancy Pelosi 's planned abroad vacation with other members of Congress to visit U.S. troops in Afghanistan shortly prior to they ended up scheduled to depart with a military services plane Thursday.
The president's abrupt, public action came daily after Pelosi, D-Calif. urged Trump inside a letter to either reschedule his forthcoming Condition with the Union tackle to the joint session of Congress or produce it in writing.
Pelosi in her letter to Trump cited possible security issues linked to the partial shutdown. She was scheduled with other customers to visit NATO commanders in Brussels and troops in Afghanistan above the following numerous days.
Pelosi and several other other users of Congress were being going to depart the Capitol to travel to Joint Foundation Andrews in Maryland to fly to Europe once the White Home announced the postponement.
A White Dwelling Formal instructed NBC News that all congressional delegations abroad that could have utilised federally funded navy aircraft have been grounded by Trump until the shutdown finishes.
Even so, the White Residence is permitting Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and also other members of your Trump administration to journey to the planet Financial Forum in Davos, Switzerland, next week.
"We will reschedule this seven-working day excursion in the event the Shutdown is above," Trump wrote in in his letter to Pelosi. "Obviously, if you desire to to produce your journey by traveling industrial, that will surely be your prerogative."
NEWS: Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.) shouted "Go back to Puerto Rico" on House floor.
— Sarah Ferris (@sarahnferris) January 17, 2019
Statement: "Congressman Smith’s comment was directed at all the Democrats who were vacationing down in Puerto Rico last weekend during the government shutdown, not towards any individual member."
Trump's letter, which was created general public inside a tweet by White Household press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, did not point out Pelosi's demand him to postpone the State in the Union handle, which the president has not usually commented on. But his letter was noticed for a retaliation for her recommendation.
A White Home official reported Trump "took instant action" on Thursday just after Studying Pelosi was planning to take the excursion.
Pelosi's spokesman, Drew Hammill, inside of a number of tweets, wrote that the congressional delegation's trip to Afghanistan incorporated a expected stop in Brussels for pilot rest.
"In Brussels, the delegation was scheduled to meet with best NATO commanders, U.S. navy leaders and vital allies – to affirm America' ironclad dedication on the NATO alliance," Hammill wrote.
He extra the weekend excursion to Afghanistan didn't include things like a prevent in Egypt, as Trump experienced prompt in his letter.
"The goal of the vacation was to precise appreciation and due low carb diätplan to our Adult men and girls in uniform for his or her provider and devotion, and to get vital national security and intelligence briefings from those on the entrance traces," Hammill stated.
"The President traveled to Iraq throughout the Trump Shutdown as did a Republican [congressional delegation] led by" Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y., Hammill stated.
Residence Bulk Chief Steny Hoyer, D-Md., reported Trump's letter is "petty and preposterous and demeans the presidency."
"It truly is tiny. It really is vindictive," Hoyer fumed. "It's unbecoming of the president of The usa and it truly is an regrettably every day prevalence."
White Property officers, even so, mentioned Trump's shift was the result of his want to conclude the shutdown, and not payback to Pelosi personally.
"If she experienced gone on this vacation she would have certain that 800,000 federal workers wouldn't receive their 2nd paycheck Nikki Haley because she would not are actually listed here to barter any type of Mike Pompeo offer," a White House official explained to NBC.
The dueling letters among the president as well as speaker arrive amid the just about four-week-prolonged partial shutdown of the federal federal government around border safety disputes amongst Trump and Democratic lawmakers.
Politico reported that Pelosi's trip had been held underneath wraps due to safety worries.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., criticized both of those his ally Trump and Pelosi once the president's letter towards the speaker grew to become community.
"Just one sophomoric reaction would not deserve Yet another. Speaker Pelosi's menace to terminate the Condition with the Union may be very irresponsible and blatantly political," Graham said inside a series of tweets. "President Trump denying Speaker Pelosi army travel to go to our troops in Afghanistan, our allies in Egypt and NATO is likewise inappropriate."
Graham's Business explained to NBC Information that he still left for Turkey on Wednesday night on a professional flight.
"I'm glad the Speaker wants to fulfill our troops and listen to from our commanders and allies," Graham explained. "I am very disappointed she's participating in politics While using the Condition in the Union," he mentioned. "I wish our political Management could find the same want to operate for frequent objectives as those who provide our nation in uniform and various capacities."
So funny to watch Schumer groveling. He called for the firing of bad cop James Comey many times - UNTIL I FIRED HIM!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 17, 2019