Donald Trump has cancelled a planned overseas trip by senior Democrat Nancy Pelosi as tensions in Washington continue to escalate over the ongoing government shutdown.
US media reports that the decision to postpone the trip came only hours before Mrs Pelosi - the speaker of the House of Representatives - was due to leave for Afghanistan on a military aircraft.
The partial federal government shutdown is now in its 27th day, amid a dispute over President Trump's demand for almost $6 billion to fund a border wall with Mexico.
Democrats have refused to agree any spending bill that includes wall funding, while Trump won't sign any bill without the funding.
The situation has left hundreds of thousands of workers across multiple federal agencies without pay.
In a letter published by White House press secretary Sarah Sanders today, Mr Trump wrote: "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.
"In light of the 800,000 great American workers not receiving pay, I am sure you would agree that postponing this public relations event is totally appropriate."
President @realDonaldTrump’s letter to @SpeakerPelosi concerning her upcoming travel pic.twitter.com/TtBCvwp080
— Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) January 17, 2019
He added that it would "certainly be your prerogative" if Mrs Pelosi wanted to fly on a commercial airline instead.
Journalists in Washington reported that other lawmakers due to join Mrs Pelosi were already been on a bus to leave when the news of the cancellation came through.
Schiff was on the Air Force bus with members that is now back at the Capitol. Asked if this was the oddest thing he's seen in politics:
"The last two years have been nothing but odd, but I don't have any comment."— Jeremy Herb (@jeremyherb) January 17, 2019
The latest move comes a day after Mrs Pelosi - who took over leadership of the House earlier this month - wrote to the President suggesting that President Trump postpone his planned state of the union address later this month.
She had previously invited the US President to deliver the annual address on January 29th.
However, she yesterday said that should be delayed "given the security concerns and unless government re-opens this week".
She noted that the Secret Service - which would provide security for the dozens of senior political leaders due to attend the Capitol Hill address - is one of the departments impacted by the shutdown.
Mrs Pelosi added that President Trump could deliver his address in writing instead if he so wished.
There has been no indication of a possible resolution to the Washington impasse, and more than a week has now passed since the shutdown became the longest on record.
