Trump threatens shutdown over ‘wall’
Trump cites France attack as reason for wall
WASHINGTON, Dec 12, (Agencies): US President Donald Trump openly fought with the top two Democratic lawmakers in the Oval Office on Tuesday about government funding, as disagreements over a US-Mexico border wall prompted Trump repeatedly to threaten a late December government shutdown.
Trump’s demand for billions of dollars to build the southwest border wall threw into question whether a deal was possible ahead of a Dec 21 deadline.
In a remarkable public argument, the likes of which is seldom seen before cameras, Trump brawled with US Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi about funding a wall that they see as ineffective and wasteful.
“If we don’t get what we want, one way or the other – whether it’s through you, through a military, through anything you want to call – I will shut down the government,” Trump said as the heated argument drew to a crescendo.
“I am proud to shut down the government for border security, Chuck, because the people of this country don’t want criminals and people that have lots of problems and drugs pouring into our country,” he said before reporters left their ringside seats.
Vice President Mike Pence sat beside Trump, silent and stone faced.
At the Pentagon, Lieutenant Colonel Jamie Davis said there were no plans now for the US military to build sections of the wall. He added that under current law, however, the Defense Department could fund some border barrier projects “such as in support of counter-drug operations or national emergencies.”
While Trump’s fellow Republicans control the House of Representatives and Senate until next month, Democratic support is needed to pass spending legislation.
If the impasse cannot be resolved by Dec 21, about one-quarter of the federal government immediately would be left without funding. Money for the rest of the government already has been appropriated.
Meanwhile, President Trump is citing a shooting attack in France as he calls on Democratic congressional leaders to support funding for a wall at the USMexico border.
Trump tweeted Wednesday: “Another very bad terror attack in France. We are going to strengthen our borders even more. Chuck and Nancy must give us the votes to get additional Border Security!” That’s a reference to Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, who met with Trump Tuesday.
A suspected extremist sprayed gunfire at a Christmas market in the city of Strasbourg Tuesday, killing three and wounding at least 13.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told “Fox & Friends” Wednesday it appears no Americans were killed or injured in the attack. He also stressed the need for border security.