President Donald Trump Friday demanded action on a major border security package, including funding for a border wall, one day after issuing a threat to close the U.S.-Mexico border.
"Republicans and Democrats MUST come together, finally, with a major Border Security package, which will include funding for the Wall," the president tweeted. "After 40 years of talk, it is finally time for action. Fix the Border, for once and for all, NOW!"
On Thursday, Trump warned there may be a government shutdown if border security legislation is not passed, indicating he may hold up negotiations if more money is not provided for a border wall.
"Could there be a shut down? There certainly could and it will be about border security, of which the wall is a part," Trump told reporters in Palm Beach, Florida.
Trump also reported he's given the military his authorization to use lethal force on the border, even though he hopes "they don't have to," and warned that the United States could shut down the entire border if we find that it gets to a level where we are going to lose control or our people are going to start getting hurt."
Chief of staff John Kelly and Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen both have fought Trump's "legal force order," however, saying they think that move would exceed his constitutional authority.
Sandy Fitzgerald ✉
Sandy Fitzgerald has more than three decades in journalism and serves as a general assignment writer for Newsmax covering news, media, and politics.
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