Trump to give State of the Union address after shutdown ends

Washington, Jan 24: US President Donald Trump announced late Wednesday he would give the State of the Union address after the ongoing government shutdown ends, yielding after a weeklong showdown with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

"As the Shutdown was going on, Nancy Pelosi asked me to give the State of the Union Address. I agreed," the president tweeted.

"She then changed her mind because of the Shutdown, suggesting a later date. This is her prerogative - I will do the Address when the Shutdown is over."

Trump also said he was not looking for an alternative venue because none "can compete with the history, tradition and importance of the House Chamber," adding he looked forwarded to giving a great address "in the near future."

While the president had been planning to speak in the House - as is customary - his fight over funding for a border wall and the ongoing partial government shutdown led to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi revoking his invitation to address the nation on Tuesday.