In the end to a dramatic day of symbolic assertions of power and mastery between President Donald Trump and Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Trump bent to Pelosi’s will and agreed to delay the annual State of the Union address until after the month-long government shutdown concludes.

Trump appeared to concede defeat in the standoff in two late evening tweets.

As the Shutdown was going on, Nancy Pelosi asked me to give the State of the Union Address. I agreed. She then changed her mind because of the Shutdown, suggesting a later date. This is her prerogative – I will do the Address when the Shutdown is over. I am not looking for an…. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 24, 2019

….alternative venue for the SOTU Address because there is no venue that can compete with the history, tradition and importance of the House Chamber. I look forward to giving a “great” State of the Union Address in the near future! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 24, 2019

The drama began shortly after noon eastern when President Trump released a letter asserting that he would appear for the State of the Union address, despite Pelosi clearly signaling he should not deliver the speech until the government shutdown concluded. The White House apparently envisioned days of drama in which Pelosi was forced to choose between either conceding to Trump’s demands or explicitly disinviting him.

She didn’t take long.

Less than two hours later Pelosi replied with her own letter explicitly rescinding her inviting and stating that the House would not host the speech.

Appearing alternatively surprised and angry, Trump lashed out at Pelosi in brief White House press availabilities in the late afternoon. But by late evening the White House had apparently decided that it would be a mistake to seek an alternative venue or hold one of the President’s campaign-style rallies in lieu of the traditional speech in the House chamber.

Pelosi and Trump that the speech will be held after the government reopens.