WASHINGTON—President Trump has been threatening to close down the government if Congress doesn’t meet his immigration priorities, but he has privately agreed to put off a potential shutdown or any fight over border wall funding until after the midterm elections, an administration official said Monday.
In recent days Mr. Trump has been warning that he will accept a shutdown when government funding expires on Sept. 30 unless Congress toughens the nation’s immigration laws and comes up with more money for a wall on the Mexican border.
Trump Agrees to Delay Fight Over Funding Until After Midterms
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WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump threatened Sunday to shut down the federal government unless Democrats in Congress support his immigration initiatives, including money for a wall on the border with Mexico.
Trump lashed out at an immigration policy that allows up to 50,000 immigrants to receive visas each year and the practice of arresting immigrants for crossing the border illegally and freeing them until their cases are adjudicated.
"I would be willing to 'shut down' government if the Democrats do not give us the votes for Border Security, which includes the Wall!" Trump tweeted. "Must get rid of Lottery, Catch & Release etc. and finally go to system of Immigration based on MERIT! We need great people coming into our Country!"
President Donald Trump threatens to shut down government over border wall funding
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So what happened? Why isn't Trump leading on this? Shouldn't he be banging pots and pans together and demanding that Congress vote on Wall funding before the election? Wouldn't that give clarity to voters as to where the candidates stand on this issue?
Doesn't it make sense to emphasize the most important issue that Americans care about BEFORE THE ELECTION? You have leverage right now.
In recent days Mr. Trump has been warning that he will accept a shutdown when government funding expires on Sept. 30 unless Congress toughens the nation’s immigration laws and comes up with more money for a wall on the Mexican border.
Trump Agrees to Delay Fight Over Funding Until After Midterms
------
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump threatened Sunday to shut down the federal government unless Democrats in Congress support his immigration initiatives, including money for a wall on the border with Mexico.
Trump lashed out at an immigration policy that allows up to 50,000 immigrants to receive visas each year and the practice of arresting immigrants for crossing the border illegally and freeing them until their cases are adjudicated.
"I would be willing to 'shut down' government if the Democrats do not give us the votes for Border Security, which includes the Wall!" Trump tweeted. "Must get rid of Lottery, Catch & Release etc. and finally go to system of Immigration based on MERIT! We need great people coming into our Country!"
President Donald Trump threatens to shut down government over border wall funding
-------
So what happened? Why isn't Trump leading on this? Shouldn't he be banging pots and pans together and demanding that Congress vote on Wall funding before the election? Wouldn't that give clarity to voters as to where the candidates stand on this issue?
Doesn't it make sense to emphasize the most important issue that Americans care about BEFORE THE ELECTION? You have leverage right now.