US President Donald Trump has agreed to postpone his State of the Union address until after the government shutdown following a week-long stand-off with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who had asked him to delay the speech until after the dispute was resolved.
The White House had initially ignored her request, saying it would stick with the planned date of 29 January.
But Mr Trump tweeted late on Wednesday: “As the shutdown was going on, Nancy Pelosi asked me to give the State of the Union Address. I agreed.
“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.
The government shutdown headed for a record 34th day affecting some 800,000 federal workers, many working without pay
