Trump, top Democrats argue before media
WASHINGTON: United States President Donald Trump openly fought with the top two Democratic politicians in the Oval Office yesterday about government funding, throwing into question whether a deal to avert a government shutdown was possible before a deadline next week.
In a remarkable public argument, Trump rowed with Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi about paying for a wall on the USMexico border 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 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.
If the impasse cannot be resolved by December 21, about onequarter of the federal Government would be left without funding. Money for the rest of the Government has already been appropriated.
Trump has asked Congress for $US5 billion for border security, while Schumer and Pelosi have offered to extend funding at current levels, about $US1.3 billion ($NZ1.9 billion). While the battle over border security is contentious, the money being negotiated is a small portion of a $US450 billion bill to keep agencies operating to next September. — Reuters