Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Sunday that she never intended to tear up President Donald Trump’s 2020 State of the Union address — a moment that quickly became one of the most memorable images of her speakership.
Speaking with ABC’s Jonathan Karl, Pelosi described many of her most high-profile encounters with Trump as unplanned and driven by the moment.
“People like the tearing up of the speech. I didn’t go there planning to do that,” Pelosi said. “I tore the first page because he was lying. Then the next page, and the next. I thought it was a manifesto of lies all the way through, so I decided to tear up the whole thing.”
She added that the physical act itself proved harder than expected. “Those speeches are printed on strong paper, so you have to go at it a few times. I had no intention of doing it. I thought my staff was going to die,” she said.
Pelosi also reflected on another widely circulated image — a 2019 photo showing her pointing a finger at Trump during a meeting that included members of his cabinet. She said it has become the most requested image for autographs.
“You know what I’m saying when I walk out the door in that picture?” Pelosi said. “I’m leaving here because I’ve had it with you, Mr. President. With you, all roads lead to Putin.”
Karl noted that the White House released the photo at the time and dismissed Pelosi as “crazy,” a move she now views favorably. “They did me a favor,” she said.
In November, Pelosi announced she would not seek re-election after finishing her current term, bringing an end to one of the most influential careers in modern congressional history.
When asked what she hopes her legacy will be, Pelosi pointed to healthcare reform.
“I’m very proud of the Affordable Care Act,” she said. “It made a real difference for working families — not just for their health, but for their financial security. That fight continues. If I’m remembered for one thing, I hope it’s the Affordable Care Act.”
