In a series of tweets today, President Trump said he would "close the Southern Border entirely" if Democrats do not agree to fund the wall and to change the nation’s “ridiculous” asylum laws. He also accusing Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador of “doing nothing for the United States but taking our money” and threatened to cut off aid to the countries.
The president tweeted:
"We will be forced to close the Southern Border entirely if the Obstructionist Democrats do not give us the money to finish the Wall & also change the ridiculous immigration laws that our Country is saddled with.
“.....Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador are doing nothing for the United States but taking our money. Word is that a new Caravan is forming in Honduras and they are doing nothing about it. We will be cutting off all aid to these 3 countries - taking advantage of U.S. for years!”
The threats come on the seventh day of a partial government shutdown that has no apparent no end in sight. The Senate returns Monday but no votes are expected until Trump and Democratic leaders reach a deal on funding for nine large federal agencies and several smaller ones. No negotiations are scheduled at this point.
On Thursday, the White House and Senate Republican leaders suggested a solution will be up to Trump and the likely incoming Democratic speaker, Nancy Pelosi (Calif.). Democrats take over control of the House on January 3rd.
The White House said in a statement, “The president has made clear that any bill to fund the government must adequately fund border security to stop the flow of illegal drugs, criminals, MS-13 gang members, child smugglers and human traffickers into our communities — and protect the American people...The President does not want the government to remain shut down, but he will not sign a proposal that does not first prioritize our county’s safety and security.”
