Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) tweeted a photo of herself extending her hand to President Trump at his State of the Union address on Tuesday night, saying it illustrated the willingness of House Democrats to work with the White House on some issues.
“Democrats will never stop extending the hand of friendship to get the job done #ForThePeople,” Pelosi tweeted after Trump completed his third State of the Union speech.
“We will work to find common ground where we can, but will stand our ground where we cannot,” she added.
Pelosi’s tweet sought to underscore a moment earlier in the night when she attempted to shake Trump’s hand before he delivered his speech.
Trump approach Pelosi and Vice President Pence and handed each of them a copy of his prepared remarks. Pelosi appeared to extend her hand to Trump, but he turned away without acknowledging Pelosi’s gesture.
The president also did not shake Pence’s hand, though the vice president did not appear to extend his hand.
Video of the moment quickly drew attention on social media.
Trump’s speech was bookended by another awkward moment when Pelosi ripped up her copy of the president’s remarks at the conclusion of the address.