House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ripped up her copy of Donald Trump's State of the Union address on Wednesday, in a pointed political gesture after listening tight-lipped to the president tout his achievements to Congress.
The tension between Trump and his Democratic nemesis was palpable from the outset, as Pelosi extended her extended her hand for a handshake -- and the president failed to return the favour.
Seated in silence behind the president in the House of Representatives, Pelosi frowned, repeatedly shook her head and smiled disbelievingly until he finished speaking and Republicans erupted in applause -- at which point she rose and very visibly tore up the papers in front of her.
Asked afterwards by a reporter to give a reason for her gesture, Pelosi replied: "Because it was the courteous thing to do, considering the alternatives."