Donald Trump Engages in Verbal Clash with Democratic Leaders Over Border Wall Funding

On Tuesday, December 20, Donald Trump, the President of the United States, publicly clashed with Democratic leaders in Congress over the budget for building the border wall, threatening to shut down the government. According to Reuters, this dispute has cast doubt on the possibility of reaching an agreement on the 2019 U.S. budget. In an unprecedented argument broadcasted on television, Trump debated with Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic leader of the House of Representatives, and Chuck Schumer, the Democratic leader of the Senate, over the border wall construction, insisting that either the budget for the wall must be approved or he would shut down the government. The U.S. President is demanding $5 billion for the construction of the border wall between the United States and Mexico, a promise he made during his 2016 election campaign. Trump stated that if Democrats do not approve his requested amount, the U.S. military will build the wall. Pelosi and Schumer announced that the budget bill would pass both the House and Senate to prevent a government shutdown and ensure greater border security, but Trump insisted that the budget for the wall is essential. Senator Schumer remarked, 'You say either my way or the government will shut down.' Trump responded that border security is essential and that the wall is necessary for that security. Addressing Schumer, the President said, 'Yes, if we don't get what we want... I will shut down the government.' According to the Associated Press, he frequently interrupted the Democratic leaders, arguing that the budget for the wall could be passed in both the House and Senate without Democratic votes. Pelosi reacted by saying, 'This is a convoluted path.' Trump asked if Republicans did not win the midterm Senate elections. Schumer replied with a smile, 'When the President boasted that he won the North Dakota and Indiana elections, he then got into trouble.' Before this meeting, the President tweeted that building the wall is necessary to prevent 'a massive influx of crime and disease' brought by illegal immigrants. He added, 'If Democrats do not vote to secure our country, the military will build the remaining wall. They know how important this issue is!' After the 30-minute meeting with the President, Senator Schumer said, 'This anger that emerged will not build a wall for him (Trump).' He added that if Trump does not change his approach, 'there will be no wall and there will be a shutdown.' The Senate Democratic leader also tweeted that 'we have given the President two options that will prevent a government shutdown. It is up to him to accept one of these options or the government will shut down.' Ms. Pelosi also stated that Trump does not have the necessary votes in the House to secure billions of dollars to fulfill his promise regarding the wall's construction. The government budget for some administrative agencies ends on December 21, which could lead to a partial government shutdown.