The White House sets the scene for Donald Trump's first State of the Union speech, and brooks no distractions from the press.
ADVERTISEMENTUS president Donald Trump is about to present his first formal State of the Union speech.
The joint houses of Congress have faced the president before, last February, but Trump is using the State of the Union speech to set out his stall on infrastructure, immigration and the economy.
No-one wants any distraction from the latest scandal, that of the surprise resignation of the FBI's deputy director.
"We've seen the numerous reports like you all have, and any specifics I can tell you none of this decision was made by that of the White House. Any specifics I would refer you to the FBI, who I believe will be making a statement later today," said the White House press secretary.
Did he jump or was he pushed is the question in Washington, along with how much of the belligerent rhetoric Trump has made his hallmark will he take into congress with him? It's likely to be red meat for his supporters, and little for anyone else.