T he invitation could not have been more polite. “In their great wisdom, our founders crafted a constitution based on a system of separation of powers: three co-equal branches acting as checks on each other,” Nancy Pelsoi wrote to Donald Trump. “In the spirit of respecting the constitution, I invite you to deliver your State of the Union address on 4 February.”

Reports said the timing of the speech, and the invitation – which was accepted by the president – had been agreed in advance. Which implies both Republicans are Democrats believe the Senate trial of the president will have been concluded by that point, unless Trump intends to address the two chambers as it plays out.