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Trump’s State of the Union Address: Live Analysis Trump’s State of the Union Address: Live Analysis
(35 minutes later)
After spending the first portion of his speech patting himself on the back for what he views as his administration’s accomplishments, including low unemployment, Mr. Trump issued a stern warning to the Democrats now in charge of the House.
“An economic miracle is taking place in the United States — and the only thing that can stop it are foolish wars, politics or ridiculous partisan investigations,” he said. “If there is going to be peace and legislation, there cannot be war and investigation. It just doesn’t work that way!”
Speaker Nancy Pelosi smirked behind him. Representative Adam Schiff of California, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, smiled. He has already begin examining whether money laundering could have motivated Mr. Trump’s coziness with Russian oligarchs.
With 10 days left for Congress to pass a border security package and avert another government shutdown, Mr. Trump devoted a significant portion of his speech to making the case for his signature campaign proposal: a wall at the southern border.
“This is a smart, strategic, see-through steel barrier — not just a simple concrete wall,” he said, adding, “Simply put, WALLS WORK and WALLS SAVE LIVES.
But as Mr. Trump raised the time frame to keep the government fully funded, the Democrats tensed and Republicans continued to applaud.
Representative Ilhan Omar, Democrat of Minnesota, buried her head in her hands. As he detailed a litany of familiar talking points about caravans marching toward the United States, there was a disgruntled round of groans, punctuated by a couple boos as they looked around at each other, shaking their heads.
Representative Veronica Escobar, Democrat of Texas, whose district includes most of El Paso, was visibly angry after Mr. Trump referenced her district and the decrease in crime. She appeared to mouth that it was safe before the wall and after the wall.
“Oh my God, oh my God,” she mouthed to her colleagues, her arms crossed as other representatives looked over in her direction.
There were also some unhappy murmurs when he described the increase in troops at the southern border and scoffs at his description of the “savage MS-13 gang.”
President Trump delivered a message of bipartisan unity on Tuesday night in his first address to Congress in the new era of divided government, but any hope of enduring harmony was dispelled long before he arrived at the Capitol.President Trump delivered a message of bipartisan unity on Tuesday night in his first address to Congress in the new era of divided government, but any hope of enduring harmony was dispelled long before he arrived at the Capitol.
Mr. Trump, who has warred with Democrats for weeks over his plan to build a wall along the nation’s southwestern border, hoped to use the nationally televised speech to present himself as a leader who can work across party lines even as he continued to press lawmakers to give him money for the barrier.Mr. Trump, who has warred with Democrats for weeks over his plan to build a wall along the nation’s southwestern border, hoped to use the nationally televised speech to present himself as a leader who can work across party lines even as he continued to press lawmakers to give him money for the barrier.
“Together, we can break decades of political stalemate,” Mr. Trump told lawmakers from the rostrum of the House of Representatives. “We can bridge old divisions, heal old wounds, build new coalitions, forge new solutions and unlock the extraordinary promise of America’s future. The decision is ours to make.”“Together, we can break decades of political stalemate,” Mr. Trump told lawmakers from the rostrum of the House of Representatives. “We can bridge old divisions, heal old wounds, build new coalitions, forge new solutions and unlock the extraordinary promise of America’s future. The decision is ours to make.”
Mr. Trump signaled that he will not back off his hard-line immigration policies that have polarized the country. “No issue better illustrates the divide between America’s working class and America’s political class than illegal immigration,” he was to add, according to excerpts released by the White House. “Wealthy politicians and donors push for open borders while living their lives behind walls and gates and guards.”Mr. Trump signaled that he will not back off his hard-line immigration policies that have polarized the country. “No issue better illustrates the divide between America’s working class and America’s political class than illegal immigration,” he was to add, according to excerpts released by the White House. “Wealthy politicians and donors push for open borders while living their lives behind walls and gates and guards.”
Read more from Peter Baker.Read more from Peter Baker.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi was spared any discomfort that might have come with the ritual introduction of the president of the United States. The president jumped the gun.Speaker Nancy Pelosi was spared any discomfort that might have come with the ritual introduction of the president of the United States. The president jumped the gun.
Before she could utter the traditional, “Ladies and gentlemen, I give to you the president of the United States,” Mr. Trump had already started speaking.Before she could utter the traditional, “Ladies and gentlemen, I give to you the president of the United States,” Mr. Trump had already started speaking.
While Mr. Trump forgot to have Ms. Pelosi introduce him, another Republican president — George W. Bush — made a big deal of Ms. Pelosi’s introduction of him in 2007, the year she first became speaker.While Mr. Trump forgot to have Ms. Pelosi introduce him, another Republican president — George W. Bush — made a big deal of Ms. Pelosi’s introduction of him in 2007, the year she first became speaker.
“Tonight, I have a high privilege and distinct honor of my own — as the first President to begin the State of the Union message with these words: Madam Speaker,” Mr. Bush said then.“Tonight, I have a high privilege and distinct honor of my own — as the first President to begin the State of the Union message with these words: Madam Speaker,” Mr. Bush said then.
President Trump said that more people are working in the United States than at any time in history.
While the total number of people working in the United States is higher than ever, it is not because of the president’s policies. It is because more people than ever live in the United States. The more relevant way to look at this is the labor force participation rate, which measures the percentage of people working as a portion of the population. That is nowhere near a record.
President Trump said the American economy is considered “far and away the hottest economy anywhere in the world.”
The American economy expanded at an annual rate of 3.5 percent in the third quarter of 2018, the most recent available data. Growth in Latvia and Poland was almost twice as fast. Same for China and India. Even the troubled Greek economy posted stronger growth. And a wide range of economic analysts estimate that the growth of the American economy slowed in the fourth quarter, and slowed even further in the first month of 2019.
In excerpts released before his speech, President Trump took credit for America’s superstar status in the world, saying other countries are envious of the economy and that its military is the most powerful.
America has long been considered the world’s superstar, a status that predates Mr. Trump’s time in office, going back to the end of World War II. And while the American economy has been growing during Mr. Trump’s presidency, it is a continuation of the trend since June 2009.
[You can find more fact checks here.]
At a private lunch for television anchors on Tuesday, Mr. Trump put the lie to what his counselor, Kellyanne Conway, called a coming pitch for “c-o-m-i-t-y.”At a private lunch for television anchors on Tuesday, Mr. Trump put the lie to what his counselor, Kellyanne Conway, called a coming pitch for “c-o-m-i-t-y.”
Some bon mots offered up:Some bon mots offered up:
On the prospects of facing former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. in the 2020 campaign: “Biden was never very smart. He was a terrible student. His gaffes are unbelievable. When I say something that you might think is a gaffe, it’s on purpose; it’s not a gaffe. When Biden says something dumb, it’s because he’s dumb.”On the prospects of facing former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. in the 2020 campaign: “Biden was never very smart. He was a terrible student. His gaffes are unbelievable. When I say something that you might think is a gaffe, it’s on purpose; it’s not a gaffe. When Biden says something dumb, it’s because he’s dumb.”
On Senator Elizabeth Warren, Democrat of Massachusetts: “I hope I haven’t wounded Pocahontas too badly,” he said. “I’d like to run against her.”On Senator Elizabeth Warren, Democrat of Massachusetts: “I hope I haven’t wounded Pocahontas too badly,” he said. “I’d like to run against her.”
On Senator Schumer: “Schumer,” he added, “can be a nasty son of a bitch.”On Senator Schumer: “Schumer,” he added, “can be a nasty son of a bitch.”
And on the embattled Virginia governor, Ralph Northam: “Did you see that news conference?” Mr. Trump asked. “Could you believe it? He choked like a dog.”And on the embattled Virginia governor, Ralph Northam: “Did you see that news conference?” Mr. Trump asked. “Could you believe it? He choked like a dog.”
For good measure, the president took another shot at the late Senator John McCain: “By the way,” Mr. Trump said, “he wrote a book and the book bombed.”For good measure, the president took another shot at the late Senator John McCain: “By the way,” Mr. Trump said, “he wrote a book and the book bombed.”
Stacey Abrams, who narrowly lost her race in November to be Georgia’s governor, will deliver the Democratic response, and she will press her case that access to the voting booth should be easier, not harder.Stacey Abrams, who narrowly lost her race in November to be Georgia’s governor, will deliver the Democratic response, and she will press her case that access to the voting booth should be easier, not harder.
“This is the next battle for our democracy, one where all eligible citizens can have their say about the vision we want for our country,” she will say, according to excerpts released by Senate Democratic leaders. “We must reject the cynicism that says allowing every eligible vote to be cast and counted is a ‘power grab.’ Americans understand that these are the values our brave men and women in uniform and our veterans risk their lives to defend.”“This is the next battle for our democracy, one where all eligible citizens can have their say about the vision we want for our country,” she will say, according to excerpts released by Senate Democratic leaders. “We must reject the cynicism that says allowing every eligible vote to be cast and counted is a ‘power grab.’ Americans understand that these are the values our brave men and women in uniform and our veterans risk their lives to defend.”
The “power grab” comment was a direct reference to Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, who used that phrase to denounce House Democratic legislation to expand access to the voting booth.The “power grab” comment was a direct reference to Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, who used that phrase to denounce House Democratic legislation to expand access to the voting booth.
“The foundation of our moral leadership around the globe is free and fair elections, where voters pick their leaders — not where politicians pick their voters,” she will say. She also will blame Mr. Trump for the government shutdown: “The shutdown was a stunt engineered by the President of the United States, one that defied every tenet of fairness and abandoned not just our people — but our values.”“The foundation of our moral leadership around the globe is free and fair elections, where voters pick their leaders — not where politicians pick their voters,” she will say. She also will blame Mr. Trump for the government shutdown: “The shutdown was a stunt engineered by the President of the United States, one that defied every tenet of fairness and abandoned not just our people — but our values.”
Every year, one member of the president’s cabinet is held in a secure location, in case catastrophe strikes. Rick Perry, the former Texas governor and Republican presidential candidate, hasn’t been much in evidence since he joined the Trump administration as the energy secretary.Every year, one member of the president’s cabinet is held in a secure location, in case catastrophe strikes. Rick Perry, the former Texas governor and Republican presidential candidate, hasn’t been much in evidence since he joined the Trump administration as the energy secretary.
He won’t be in evidence at the State of the Union address either. He is the designated survivor, spirited, well, somewhere.He won’t be in evidence at the State of the Union address either. He is the designated survivor, spirited, well, somewhere.
Mr. Trump invited Roy James, the plant manager of a sawmill in Vicksburg, Miss., to the address to highlight a tax provision that the president will credit for saving Mr. James’s job last year.Mr. Trump invited Roy James, the plant manager of a sawmill in Vicksburg, Miss., to the address to highlight a tax provision that the president will credit for saving Mr. James’s job last year.
But whether the tax incentive actually saved the sawmill is unclear. Publicly available evidence does not support the claim and White House officials did not provide information on Tuesday that would substantiate it.But whether the tax incentive actually saved the sawmill is unclear. Publicly available evidence does not support the claim and White House officials did not provide information on Tuesday that would substantiate it.
Mr. Trump is calling attention to a once-obscure portion of the $1.5 trillion tax overhaul, which was meant to drive investment to parts of America that continue to struggle even as the economy improves. The law offered potentially lucrative reductions in capital gains tax bills for investors who put, and hold, money in projects inside certain areas that state officials designate as Opportunity Zones.Mr. Trump is calling attention to a once-obscure portion of the $1.5 trillion tax overhaul, which was meant to drive investment to parts of America that continue to struggle even as the economy improves. The law offered potentially lucrative reductions in capital gains tax bills for investors who put, and hold, money in projects inside certain areas that state officials designate as Opportunity Zones.
Vicksburg Forest Products, the company that both laid off Mr. James and rehired him last year, said late Tuesday that the tax provision was a “key reason” it invested in the sawmill, even though at the time it agreed to buy the mill there were no guarantees that the property would qualify for the new federal incentives. The state had not yet selected Vicksburg to qualify for the tax incentive when the company first agreed to buy the mill in March.Vicksburg Forest Products, the company that both laid off Mr. James and rehired him last year, said late Tuesday that the tax provision was a “key reason” it invested in the sawmill, even though at the time it agreed to buy the mill there were no guarantees that the property would qualify for the new federal incentives. The state had not yet selected Vicksburg to qualify for the tax incentive when the company first agreed to buy the mill in March.
According to public documents and news reports, the mill where Mr. James worked for 26 years was purchased last year by a company headed by a wealthy timber baron. After the sale, the new owners laid off all 158 workers at the mill. They eventually rehired some workers and the plant now employs 125 people. The new owners have been praised by state and federal officials for their investment — but throughout the sale announcements, no one ever mentioned the Trump tax cut provision.According to public documents and news reports, the mill where Mr. James worked for 26 years was purchased last year by a company headed by a wealthy timber baron. After the sale, the new owners laid off all 158 workers at the mill. They eventually rehired some workers and the plant now employs 125 people. The new owners have been praised by state and federal officials for their investment — but throughout the sale announcements, no one ever mentioned the Trump tax cut provision.
— Jim Tankersley— Jim Tankersley
In an unofficial Democratic response to Mr. Trump, Senator Kamala Harris, Democrat of California and a 2020 presidential hopeful, delivered her own State of the Union address via Facebook Tuesday evening, taking the president to task for policies that she said benefit the rich and powerful, and outlining her own vision for a politics of unity rather than division.In an unofficial Democratic response to Mr. Trump, Senator Kamala Harris, Democrat of California and a 2020 presidential hopeful, delivered her own State of the Union address via Facebook Tuesday evening, taking the president to task for policies that she said benefit the rich and powerful, and outlining her own vision for a politics of unity rather than division.
“At this difficult moment we can have faith that the American people are spirited, resourceful and resilient,” Ms. Harris said, “and because of who we are we can come together around that common purpose.”“At this difficult moment we can have faith that the American people are spirited, resourceful and resilient,” Ms. Harris said, “and because of who we are we can come together around that common purpose.”
During the eight-minute speech live streamed on her Facebook page, Ms. Harris challenged Mr. Trump on a range of fronts, arguing that his economic policies are geared to “help big corporations and foreign interests,” and that his foreign policy has hurt American farmers and consumers because of the trade wars he has instigated.During the eight-minute speech live streamed on her Facebook page, Ms. Harris challenged Mr. Trump on a range of fronts, arguing that his economic policies are geared to “help big corporations and foreign interests,” and that his foreign policy has hurt American farmers and consumers because of the trade wars he has instigated.
She also confronted Mr. Trump on his immigration policy, particularly his administration’s decision to separate children from their parents seeking asylum at the border.She also confronted Mr. Trump on his immigration policy, particularly his administration’s decision to separate children from their parents seeking asylum at the border.
“When you hear claims that our problems would all be solved if we just built a wall on our southern border, don’t forget the babies ripped from their parents arms and the refugees fleeing violence and abuse that are being turned away,” she said.“When you hear claims that our problems would all be solved if we just built a wall on our southern border, don’t forget the babies ripped from their parents arms and the refugees fleeing violence and abuse that are being turned away,” she said.
— Sheryl Gay Stolberg— Sheryl Gay Stolberg
Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter Jamie was killed during the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. last year, came to Washington for the confirmation hearings of Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh, and made news when the future justice — apparently thinking he was a protester — refused to shake his hand.Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter Jamie was killed during the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. last year, came to Washington for the confirmation hearings of Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh, and made news when the future justice — apparently thinking he was a protester — refused to shake his hand.
Tuesday night, Mr. Guttenberg will be on Capitol Hill again, this time as a guest of Ms. Pelosi.Tuesday night, Mr. Guttenberg will be on Capitol Hill again, this time as a guest of Ms. Pelosi.
Mr. Guttenberg is among 20 people, other than her husband, Paul, who will sit in the House chamber as Ms. Pelosi’s guests. The list, which reflects Ms. Pelosi’s political priorities, includes five union presidents; three gun safety advocates (including Mr. Guttenberg) and three members of the military, two of them transgender.Mr. Guttenberg is among 20 people, other than her husband, Paul, who will sit in the House chamber as Ms. Pelosi’s guests. The list, which reflects Ms. Pelosi’s political priorities, includes five union presidents; three gun safety advocates (including Mr. Guttenberg) and three members of the military, two of them transgender.
The president of Planned Parenthood, Leana Wen, will also join Ms. Pelosi, as will Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington, D.C., and Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver of New Jersey.The president of Planned Parenthood, Leana Wen, will also join Ms. Pelosi, as will Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington, D.C., and Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver of New Jersey.
And the speaker’s list includes two chefs — the Food Network star Tyler Florence and José Andrés, who has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work, including helping the devastated island of Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria there.And the speaker’s list includes two chefs — the Food Network star Tyler Florence and José Andrés, who has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work, including helping the devastated island of Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria there.
The presence of Mr. Andrés may not go over well with President Trump; The Trump Organization sued him for breach of contract after Mr. Andres — upset over then-candidate Trump’s rhetoric about Mexicans — backed out of an agreement to open a restaurant in The Trump International Hotel here.The presence of Mr. Andrés may not go over well with President Trump; The Trump Organization sued him for breach of contract after Mr. Andres — upset over then-candidate Trump’s rhetoric about Mexicans — backed out of an agreement to open a restaurant in The Trump International Hotel here.
The suit was settled in 2017 for an undisclosed amount.The suit was settled in 2017 for an undisclosed amount.
— Sheryl Gay Stolberg— Sheryl Gay Stolberg
In a nod to the suffragists, many Democrat women decided to attend the State of the Union in white. They posed for group photos on a staircase, at one point clasping hands and holding them aloft. Representative Steny H. Hoyer, the majority leader, passed out white ribbons to his male colleagues.In a nod to the suffragists, many Democrat women decided to attend the State of the Union in white. They posed for group photos on a staircase, at one point clasping hands and holding them aloft. Representative Steny H. Hoyer, the majority leader, passed out white ribbons to his male colleagues.
Representative Dean Phillips, a freshman Democrat from Minnesota, went a step further and donned a white suit jacket with black lapels. Democratic lawmakers said they had included Republicans in their proposal, but it was unlikely that any would intentionally coordinate.Representative Dean Phillips, a freshman Democrat from Minnesota, went a step further and donned a white suit jacket with black lapels. Democratic lawmakers said they had included Republicans in their proposal, but it was unlikely that any would intentionally coordinate.
Several of the guests — among them, Ana Maria Archila, the activist joining Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Democrat of New York — also were resplendent in white.Several of the guests — among them, Ana Maria Archila, the activist joining Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Democrat of New York — also were resplendent in white.
Some outfits were last minute endeavors; Representative Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, Democrat of Florida, had her husband run to Nordstrom’s Monday night while she dealt with congressional duties. “That’s the kind of husband I have,” she said, laughing.Some outfits were last minute endeavors; Representative Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, Democrat of Florida, had her husband run to Nordstrom’s Monday night while she dealt with congressional duties. “That’s the kind of husband I have,” she said, laughing.
— Emily Cochrane— Emily Cochrane
State of the Union viewers tuning in on the Trump campaign’s social media accounts or website, will get more than a view of the president’s address. They’ll also see a list of donors to Mr. Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign.State of the Union viewers tuning in on the Trump campaign’s social media accounts or website, will get more than a view of the president’s address. They’ll also see a list of donors to Mr. Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign.
The campaign said that donors will see their name and the amount they donated roll across the bottom of a live stream of the speech — like a stock ticker. The campaign did something similar last year, which the consumer advocacy group Public Citizen called “commercializing and corrupting yet another institution.”The campaign said that donors will see their name and the amount they donated roll across the bottom of a live stream of the speech — like a stock ticker. The campaign did something similar last year, which the consumer advocacy group Public Citizen called “commercializing and corrupting yet another institution.”
The Republican National Committee told The Washington Post that the strategy raised more than $1 million.The Republican National Committee told The Washington Post that the strategy raised more than $1 million.
This year’s total weren’t immediately available, said Gary Coby, who runs digital fund-raising for the campaign. He said people like being part of something live and official.This year’s total weren’t immediately available, said Gary Coby, who runs digital fund-raising for the campaign. He said people like being part of something live and official.
“I think people love seeing their name,” Mr. Coby said.“I think people love seeing their name,” Mr. Coby said.
— Mihir Zaveri— Mihir Zaveri
The lobby at the Trump International Hotel in Washington is full of Trump supporters who have gathered here to watch the state of the union address, which will be broadcast in full volume from four large televisions in the lobby.The lobby at the Trump International Hotel in Washington is full of Trump supporters who have gathered here to watch the state of the union address, which will be broadcast in full volume from four large televisions in the lobby.
It’s a festive atmosphere, with flowing Trump-branded wine and plenty of related Trump merchandise. Fox News is on the televisions, and the broadcast is focused on divisions in the Democratic Party about the rebuttal speech that will be delivered right after the president’s.It’s a festive atmosphere, with flowing Trump-branded wine and plenty of related Trump merchandise. Fox News is on the televisions, and the broadcast is focused on divisions in the Democratic Party about the rebuttal speech that will be delivered right after the president’s.
Among the Trump-world inhabitants spotted are the president’s son, Donald Jr., Katrina Pierson, a senior adviser to the Trump campaign, and Sean Spicer, the former White House press secretary. Mr. Spicer declined to speak with a reporter except to say that his trip to the Super Bowl over the weekend was “great.”Among the Trump-world inhabitants spotted are the president’s son, Donald Jr., Katrina Pierson, a senior adviser to the Trump campaign, and Sean Spicer, the former White House press secretary. Mr. Spicer declined to speak with a reporter except to say that his trip to the Super Bowl over the weekend was “great.”
A group of supporters will plan to gather in the hotel’s “Lincoln Library” to watch the proceedings while the rest of Washington’s “Make America Great Again” community will watch from the bar.A group of supporters will plan to gather in the hotel’s “Lincoln Library” to watch the proceedings while the rest of Washington’s “Make America Great Again” community will watch from the bar.
— Katie Rogers— Katie Rogers
Representative Steve King, the Iowa Republican embroiled in a firestorm over racist remarks and charges of white supremacist sympathies, made something of his own statement by bringing Lynnette Hardaway, better known as her online persona Diamond from the Trump-supporting duo Diamond and Silk.Representative Steve King, the Iowa Republican embroiled in a firestorm over racist remarks and charges of white supremacist sympathies, made something of his own statement by bringing Lynnette Hardaway, better known as her online persona Diamond from the Trump-supporting duo Diamond and Silk.
Mr. King on Twitter said the two women, who are both black, had a coin toss to see who would take the ticket.Mr. King on Twitter said the two women, who are both black, had a coin toss to see who would take the ticket.
— Emily Cochrane— Emily Cochrane
Mr. Trump is expected to mention troop withdrawals in Syria and Afghanistan, issues that are more divisive in his own party than with Democrats. The Republican-led Senate has rebuked Mr. Trump over his moves.Mr. Trump is expected to mention troop withdrawals in Syria and Afghanistan, issues that are more divisive in his own party than with Democrats. The Republican-led Senate has rebuked Mr. Trump over his moves.
In Afghanistan, the anxiety is even higher. Ordinary Afghans and their leaders wonder whether the United States is handing the country over to the Taliban.In Afghanistan, the anxiety is even higher. Ordinary Afghans and their leaders wonder whether the United States is handing the country over to the Taliban.
On Tuesday evening, three hours before the start of Mr. Trump’s speech, a State Department spokesman said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had spoken with Ashraf Ghani, president of Afghanistan, by telephone. Mr. Pompeo sought to “reaffirm the U.S. commitment to achieving a lasting peace in Afghanistan,” the spokesman, Robert Palladino, said. Mr. Pompeo also stressed the need for a cease-fire that would allow political groups, including the Taliban, to reach a settlement, he added. Mr. Pompeo highlighted the role of Zalmay Khalilzad, the United States special representative for Afghanistan, in trying to forge “an inclusive peace process,” he said.On Tuesday evening, three hours before the start of Mr. Trump’s speech, a State Department spokesman said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had spoken with Ashraf Ghani, president of Afghanistan, by telephone. Mr. Pompeo sought to “reaffirm the U.S. commitment to achieving a lasting peace in Afghanistan,” the spokesman, Robert Palladino, said. Mr. Pompeo also stressed the need for a cease-fire that would allow political groups, including the Taliban, to reach a settlement, he added. Mr. Pompeo highlighted the role of Zalmay Khalilzad, the United States special representative for Afghanistan, in trying to forge “an inclusive peace process,” he said.
They were words aimed at calming Mr. Ghani. The Afghan president is uncomfortable with Mr. Khalilzad’s negotiations, and last week Mr. Ghani sent Mr. Trump a letter offering him reduced costs for keeping American troops in the country.They were words aimed at calming Mr. Ghani. The Afghan president is uncomfortable with Mr. Khalilzad’s negotiations, and last week Mr. Ghani sent Mr. Trump a letter offering him reduced costs for keeping American troops in the country.
— Edward Wong— Edward Wong
A handful of House Democrats announced they would not attend Tuesday night’s address. Representative Al Green, Democrat of Texas, who has introduced articles of impeachment against the president, was blunt.A handful of House Democrats announced they would not attend Tuesday night’s address. Representative Al Green, Democrat of Texas, who has introduced articles of impeachment against the president, was blunt.
“I am continuing my two-year protest of an unfit, impeachable president by not attending his State of the Union address. President Donald J. Trump has exhibited his unfitness for office since initially campaigning and thereafter governing with a propensity to promulgate and promote bigotry and bigoted policies against Muslims, people of color, women, immigrants, as well as members of the LGBTQ community. Since his inauguration, he has harmed our society by making bigotry and invidious discrimination more acceptable across our country.”“I am continuing my two-year protest of an unfit, impeachable president by not attending his State of the Union address. President Donald J. Trump has exhibited his unfitness for office since initially campaigning and thereafter governing with a propensity to promulgate and promote bigotry and bigoted policies against Muslims, people of color, women, immigrants, as well as members of the LGBTQ community. Since his inauguration, he has harmed our society by making bigotry and invidious discrimination more acceptable across our country.”
Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. does not care for the State of the Union ceremony, having called it “a political pep rally.” But he is expected to be in there Tuesday night, extending a perfect attendance record since he joined the Supreme Court in the fall of 2005.Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. does not care for the State of the Union ceremony, having called it “a political pep rally.” But he is expected to be in there Tuesday night, extending a perfect attendance record since he joined the Supreme Court in the fall of 2005.
He is likely to be joined by Mr. Trump’s two appointees, Justices Neil M. Gorsuch and Brett M. Kavanaugh. That is no surprise. Political scientists have found that attendance by justices in their early years is common, probably prompted by gratitude and loyalty.He is likely to be joined by Mr. Trump’s two appointees, Justices Neil M. Gorsuch and Brett M. Kavanaugh. That is no surprise. Political scientists have found that attendance by justices in their early years is common, probably prompted by gratitude and loyalty.
Justice Antonin Scalia, who said the State of the Union address was “a juvenile spectacle,” went to seven of the first nine after joining the court, through 1997. He died in 2016 without having attended another.Justice Antonin Scalia, who said the State of the Union address was “a juvenile spectacle,” went to seven of the first nine after joining the court, through 1997. He died in 2016 without having attended another.
But he did not fault new justices for going, saying in 2010 that it was easier to stay home “when the president giving the State of the Union is not the man who appointed you.”But he did not fault new justices for going, saying in 2010 that it was easier to stay home “when the president giving the State of the Union is not the man who appointed you.”
Justice Elena Kagan, who has been a consistent presence since her appointment by President Barack Obama in 2010, is expected to go. But Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who is recovering from cancer surgery in December, did not attend last year’s address and is not expected. On Monday, she made her first public appearance since the surgery, at a musical celebration of her life.Justice Elena Kagan, who has been a consistent presence since her appointment by President Barack Obama in 2010, is expected to go. But Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who is recovering from cancer surgery in December, did not attend last year’s address and is not expected. On Monday, she made her first public appearance since the surgery, at a musical celebration of her life.
— Adam Liptak— Adam Liptak