Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi revealed she never planned to dramatically tear up President Donald Trump’s 2020 State of the Union address, calling the viral moment a spontaneous reaction to what she labeled a “manifesto of lies.” In a fresh ABC interview, Pelosi detailed how frustration built page by page during the February 4, 2020, speech, leading to her iconic rip at the podium.cnn+1
The Tear-Down Moment Revisited
Pelosi explained she started with small margin tears spotting falsehoods—like Trump’s claims on healthcare and pre-existing conditions—escalating as “lies piled up.” “The speeches are on strong paper, so you have to do it a few times,” she quipped, noting her staff “thought they were going to die” from shock. No pen in her drawer fueled the impulse; by Trump’s finish, the whole document was shredded.foxnews+1
This capped a tense night: Trump snubbed her handshake, awarded Rush Limbaugh the Medal of Freedom, and used the chamber as a “reality show” backdrop post-impeachment acquittal. Pelosi later told Democrats she felt “liberated,” shredding Trump’s “truth-shredding” words to spotlight stakes for families.abcnews.go+1
Backlash and Legacy
Republicans blasted it as a “tantrum” dishonoring an official document, with resolutions censuring her decorum. Pelosi fired back: “I tore up a manifesto of mistruths” to grab public attention on real impacts. The clip exploded online, with edited versions sparking Facebook/Twitter clashes—Pelosi demanded removals, platforms refused.nytimes+3
Now retired from leadership, Pelosi reflects on it as unscripted resistance, alongside her finger-point at Trump signaling “all roads lead to Putin.” She prioritizes ACA legacy over the drama.foxnews
Full story: https://nypost.com/2025/12/29/us-news/nancy-pelosi-reveals-she-didnt-intend-to-rip-of-trumps-2020-state-of-the-union-speech/foxnews
SEO Keywords: Nancy Pelosi Trump speech tear 2025 reveal, State of Union rip up intention, Pelosi spontaneous fury Trump lies December 30.
FAQs:
Did Pelosi plan to rip Trump’s speech?
No—she says it started with margin tears over lies, built spontaneously; no pen available.foxnews
Why did she tear it?
Called it a “manifesto of lies” on healthcare, truth-shredding claims; felt “liberated.”cnn
Republican reaction?
“Disgraceful tantrum,” unfit for office; sought censure.abcnews.go
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Aleda Kawis is the Professional Journalist and serving in the field since 2012. She keeps extensive experience as investigating journalist and media influencer.
