Tensions were on high during an Oval Office meeting Tuesday between President Trump and some congressional Democratic leaders over the funding for a wall at the U.S. southern border.
Trump has requested $5 billion in funding for the border wall, which Democrats are having a hard time agreeing with. Rather, they have proposed $1.6 billion for improving existing fencing along the border.
âTremendous amounts of wall have already been built,â Trump told reporters at the beginning of the meeting. âWe donât talk about that, but we might as well start.â
In regards to the potential shutdown of large portions of the government if Congress fails to pass legislation to keep funding flowing, the president said he would not want to see a shutdown but promised âthe wall will get built.â
After a back and forth about votes with Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Trump argued with Senator Chuck Schumer over the importance of the wall and increased border security.
âThe last time you shut (the government) down you got killed,â Trump told Schumer. âAnd if itâs not good border security, I wonât take it.â
âIf itâs good then, itâs good now,â Schumer shot back, adding that a wall is âwasteful and doesnât solve the problem.â
âIt totally solves the problem,â Trump said.
Read more at the National Review.
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