A White House meeting between President Donald Trump and congressional leaders was short, but not very sweet. It began with the president offering candy to participants but ended soon after with him walking out.
Democrats said Trump had a “temper tantrum.” Republicans said the president calmly left without raising his voice. Amid the politics of the dispute, there was no sign of a resolution in sight.
"The president walked into the room and passed out candy. It's true," Vice President Mike Pence told reporters according to the Hill. "I don't recall him ever raising his voice or slamming his hand."
"He never raised his voice," added House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, who was standing behind Pence during the press conference.
"This is a president who feels very strongly about his commitment to see to the security of the American people," Pence continued, explaining Trump's demand for border funding.
"He brought the whole issue to the center of the national debate when he sought this office," Pence added.
The president is seeking $5.7 billion to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, but Democrats won't budge on the demand.
Outside of Washington, the shutdown has curbed enjoyment of public lands. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service directed dozens of wildlife refuges to return staffers to work to make sure hunters and others have access despite the shutdown, according to an email obtained by The Associated Press. Wildlife groups complained that the Trump administration was trying to minimize the public impact to limit political blowback for the president.
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