President Trump answered tough questions about his border wall and immigration plan Monday at the White House during a joint press conference with Italian Prime Minister Giuesppe Conte.
Daily Caller white House Correspondent Saagar Enjeti asked Trump about his threat for a government shutdown over funding for border security.
“Are you saying you would be willing to shut the government down in September if it does not fully fund $25 billion for the border wall and also deliver the immigration priorities that you listed in your tweet? Or are you leaving some room for negotiation there?” Enjeti asked. Earlier Monday, Trump threatened shutting down the government in a tweet:
I would be willing to “shut down” government if the Democrats do not give us the votes for Border Security, which includes the Wall! 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!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 29, 2018
“I would be willing to close it down to get it done,” Trump said, “I would be willing to consider a shut down if we don’t get proper border security.”
As a follow up, Enjeti asked “Is the $25 billion a red line for you?” The Trump administration is requesting $25 billion for the creation of a border wall.
Trump took the opportunity to dunk on his predecessor President Obama in the response.
“I have no red line unlike President Obama. I just want great border security. Okay?” Trump said.
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