During a heated press conference on Thursday, held shortly after the Senate’s acquittal of President Donald Trump, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi lost her composure when confronted about whether her dramatic decision to tear up Trump’s State of the Union address had ultimately backfired.
Pelosi, who has faced relentless criticism from Republicans and conservative voices for what many called a “petty” and “childish” display, was asked by CNN reporter Manu Raju if she had undermined her own message of taking the moral high ground by engaging in such an act.
“Did you step on that message [of taking the high ground] by tearing up the State of the Union?” Raju questioned.
Visibly frustrated, Pelosi forcefully denied the notion.
“No, I did not! No, I did not!” she shot back, slamming her hand on the lectern before doubling down on her reasoning.
SUBMIT VISA APPLICATION
“I tore up a manifesto of mistruths. It’s very hard for us to get you to talk about the issues that we are working on,” she added, attempting to justify her actions.
While Pelosi’s allies have defended her as making a bold statement against what they view as Trump’s “falsehoods,” many Americans saw it differently. Republicans and Trump supporters lambasted her for what they perceived as a gross act of disrespect—not only toward the President himself but toward the office he holds, the White House, Congress, and the American people who tuned in to watch the address.
Critics argue that Pelosi’s actions were not only unbecoming of a Speaker of the House but also indicative of the larger dysfunction within the Democratic Party. Some have even called for her removal from office, citing her blatant disregard for decorum and what they claim are potential violations of federal law.
One particular law that has been referenced in discussions about Pelosi’s conduct is 18 U.S.C. § 2071(b), which pertains to the unlawful destruction of public records. According to the statute, any custodian of a public record who “willfully and unlawfully conceals, removes, mutilates, obliterates, falsifies, or destroys” such documents can face a fine of up to $2,000, imprisonment for up to three years, and—most notably—forfeiture of their office and disqualification from holding any future federal position.
The question remains: If Pelosi were truly held accountable for her actions under this law, would she be forced out of office? And if so, when will she finally follow through on her own words?
After all, Pelosi had once suggested that if Trump were acquitted, her role in government would no longer be tenable. Yet, as thousands of homeless individuals continue to suffer in the streets of her district while she resides in her multi-million-dollar estates, many wonder why she has yet to step down.
Her supporters may ignore the reality, but the facts remain: she played a dangerous game, and now she must face the consequences.
She made her bed—now it’s time for her to sleep in it.
WATCH!
