Trump incorrectly whines to reporters that Pelosi’s speech-ripping was “very illegal”
President Trump is clearly still sour about House Speaker Pelosi’s dramatic ripping up of his speech during the State of the Union this Tuesday.
On his way to Marine One for yet another speech in North Carolina before inevitably flitting off to Mar-a-Lago for another arduous weekend of television and golf, the President of the United States complained that the House leader had done a “terrible thing” and said that it was, in fact, “very illegal” and that it was “very disrespectful to the chamber, to the country.”
Trump on Pelosi ripping up his State of the Union speech: “First of all, it’s an official document, you’re not allowed, it’s illegal what she did. She broke the law." pic.twitter.com/cOOKJzGvdu
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) February 7, 2020
The idea that the photocopy of the State of the Union speech is an “official document” is a popular talking point on right-wing Twitter that, as usual, is absolutely ridiculous.
Legal analyst and former federal prosecutor Glenn Kirschner told the Hill that “The federal law prohibiting the destruction of public records or government documents does not apply,” and that a photocopy does not count as an official document.
Pelosi explained herself in a closed-door meeting to Democrats the next day.
“He shredded the truth so I shredded his speech,” said Pelosi, correctly labeling Trump’s ramblings as a “manifesto of mistruths,” and added that she felt “liberated” after she did it. “I didn’t go in there to tear up the speech, and I didn’t even care that he didn’t shake my hand. In fact, who cares?”
Judging from his comments today, it appears that at least one person really cares.
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Opinion columnist and former editor-in-chief of Occupy Democrats. He graduated from Bennington College with a Bachelor's degree in history and political science. He now focuses on advancing the cause of social justice and equality in America.