Trump spurns Pelosi handshake, she tears up his speech

US President Donald Trump snubbed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's attempt to shake his hand before Tuesday's State of the Union address.

It was his first meeting with Pelosi since she stormed out of a White House meeting four months ago, and after House Democrats approved two articles of impeachment against Trump in December.

She responded to the snub by ripping up a copy of his speech and, later, describing it as "the courteous thing to do, considering the alternative".

Critics also noted that she skipped the traditional introduction welcoming the president as a "distinct honour".

In his speech, Trump hailed the "great American comeback" on the eve of his expected acquittal in his impeachment trial.