Trump Again Threatens a Government Shutdown Over Border Wall Funding
Budget

Trump Again Threatens a Government Shutdown Over Border Wall Funding

© Jose Luis Gonzalez / Reuters

Angry over the lack of full, upfront funding for his border wall with Mexico, President Trump reportedly threatened to shut down the government in September.

Politico reports that Trump “fumed to senators and his own staff” at a private meeting Monday about the $1.6 billion in border wall funding the Senate is planning to provide. The president reportedly wants a lump sum of $25 billion for the wall, rather than piecemeal annual funding. The $1.6 billion figure came from a request made by Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney, Politico notes, though OMB has since asked for $2.2 billion instead.

Sens. Shelley Moore Capito of (R-WV) Richard Shelby (R-AL) reportedly both tried to explain to the president that Senate number was set to meet Mulvaney’s request and that Senate Republicans must work with Democrats to get the 60 votes needed to pass a spending bill.

The bottom line, from Politico’s Burgess Everett: “Whether Republicans can convince Trump that he’s not going to get what he wants on the wall will determine whether the congressional spending process can stay on track or a shutdown showdown is likely right before the midterm elections.”

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