After she and fellow Democrat Chuck Schumer clashed with Mr Trump as he threatened to shut down the government if he was not successful in securing the $5bn he has requested for a border wall, the 78-year-old congresswoman suggested the president’s ego had got in the way of matters.

Ms Pelosi told members of her party, Mr Trump “must have said the word ‘wall’ 30 times”, according to Politico.

She then added: “I was trying to be the mom. But it goes to show you – you get into a tinkle contest with a skunk, you get tinkle all over you.

“It’s like a manhood thing with him – as if manhood can be associated with him. This wall thing.”

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During the meeting with Democrats, held to try and broker a deal to continue funding for various government departments, Mr Trump said: “If we don’t get what we want....I will shut down the government. I am proud to shut down the government for border security...I will take the mantle. I will be the one to shut it down. I won’t blame you for it.”

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At the meeting, which the president opened to the media, resulting in scenes probably never before publicly witnessed in the Oval Office, Ms Pelosi told Mr Trump he “will not win”.