The U.S President Donald Trump welcomed reporters into the Oval Office as he argued with top Democrats Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer regarding a possible government shutdown over the president’s proposed border wall. On Tuesday, Trump told Pelosi and Schumer during the meeting at the White House, “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, so I will take the mantle”. He added, “I will be the one to shut it down. I’m not going to blame you for it”.
Pelosi and Schumer met with Trump in his Oval Office to discuss potential solutions to prevent a partial government shutdown at the end of the month. It is noteworthy that federal funding for some agencies expires on December 21. But, Trump doesn’t need to compromise on the funding for his proposed border wall. It was a campaign promise but it is still in the queue without any construction on new parts of the wall. Moreover, Democrats are offering $1.3 billion for border fencing and barriers. Trump has repeatedly threatened a shutdown if his request of $5 billion to fund the wall is not met.
It is important that Trump still needs Democratic support in the U.S Senate to get the 60 votes required to pass the spending bill. Republicans will only be able to control both houses of Congress until December 31st. Pelosi repeatedly requested throughout the meeting that the dialogue should take place behind closed doors. She said, “I don’t think you should have a debate in front of the press”. Pelosi is expected to be the next House Speaker as Democrats take control of the House in January. She said, “This is about the security of our country. We’ve taken an oath to protect and defend and we don’t want to have that mischaracterized by anyone”.