Former President Barack Obama’s White House photographer used a single photograph to call out President Donald Trump’s incivility during the State of the Union Address this week.
Over the course of Obama’s presidency, Pete Souza compiled an impressive collection of photographs that he has been using to troll Trump for years now to demonstrate how Trump will never measure up to this nation’s first black president.
On Wednesday, Souza continued this tradition in the wake of Trump disrespecting House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) by refusing to shake her hand — as is customary.
The snub generated headlines and set the disgraceful tone for the night. But Pelosi would strike back — both after the snub and at the end of the speech.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news!
Subscribe and start recieving our daily emails.
First, she only offered Trump a short introduction: “Members of Congress, the president of the United States.”
Usually, the House Speaker would say, “I have the high privilege and the distinct honor of presenting the president of the United States,” but not this time.
And as we all know, Pelosi threw additional shade at Trump by ripping up a copy of his speech.
In response to Trump’s lack of decorum, Souza reminded him that Obama gladly shook hands with former House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) when he held the post for several of his State of the Union Addresses. Souza merely captioned the photo by asking, “How hard is this?”
In addition, it should be pointed out that Obama also honored the tradition when Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) held the House Speaker post during the final years of his tenure.
It’s really not too much to ask that the president exercise civility during a televised event steeped in tradition. Had Trump not snubbed Pelosi, her subsequent reactions may not have occurred. But he just could not go one evening without acting like a petulant child.
Featured image via Wikimedia Commons
Like what you see here? Join the discussion on Facebook over at Americans For Sanity!
