President Trump cancels Pelosi's foreign visits citing shutdown

President Donald Trump has postponed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's trip to Brussels, Egypt and Afghanistan, citing the government shutdown, the longest-ever in US history.

Trump's move came Thursday a day after Pelosi urged him to reschedule his annual State of the Union address slated for January 29, citing security concerns triggered by the shutdown that has entered its 27th day.

"Due to the shutdown, I am sorry to inform you that your trip to Brussels, Egypt, and Afghanistan has been postponed. We will reschedule this seven-day excursion when the Shutdown is over," Trump said in a letter to Pelosi, a copy of which was released to the press.

The president also said postponing this "public relations event" was totally appropriate.

The shutdown has rendered over 800,000 federal employees without work, crippling the functioning of several key wings of the government including Security and State department.

In light of the 800,000 great American workers not receiving pay, I am sure you would agree that, Trump said.

The shutdown is a result of the bitter political divided over border security issue as the Democrats who now enjoy majority in the House have refused to approve a legislation approving USD 5.7 billion in federal funding to construct a wall across the US-Mexico border.

"I also feel that, during this period, it would be better if you were in Washington negotiating with me and joining the strong border security movement to end the shutdown. Obviously, if you would like to make your journey by flying commercial, that would certainly be your prerogative, Trump said.

He said, I look forward to seeing you soon and even more forward to watching our open and dangerous Southern Border finally receive the attention, funding, and security it so desperately deserves!