Fox News is reporting now that Trump may have just thrown a wrench into plans to fund the government until February:
A potential deal on Capitol Hill to avert a government shutdown with a short-term spending measure hit a roadblock Thursday as the White House said President Trump “does not want to go further” with anything that does not include funding for border security.
“The president is having a meeting with Republican House members at noon today,” White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement. “At this moment, the president does not want to go further without border security, which includes steel slats or a wall. The president is continuing to weigh his options.”
Congress faces a Friday deadline to fund a portion of the government or risk a partial shutdown. Lawmakers had been at a standstill over the president’s demands for $5 billion to fund the border wall.
It remains unclear whether Trump would sign or veto the measure if the House approves it, but the Thursday statement signaled Trump may seek changes.
Just when everyone in Washington thought they were about to go home after voting for this funding bill, all of that seems in question now.
Trump tweeted this morning about the ‘steel slats’ referenced by Sanders:
The Democrats, who know Steel Slats (Wall) are necessary for Border Security, are putting politics over Country. What they are just beginning to realize is that I will not sign any of their legislation, including infrastructure, unless it has perfect Border Security. U.S.A. WINS!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 20, 2018
When I begrudgingly signed the Omnibus Bill, I was promised the Wall and Border Security by leadership. Would be done by end of year (NOW). It didn’t happen! We foolishly fight for Border Security for other countries - but not for our beloved U.S.A. Not good!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 20, 2018
It sounds as if Trump may be reversing his previous reversal on border funding being in the bill. Anybody dizzy yet?
With Trump’s House Republican meeting at noon, we’re sure to hear some news on this after lunch. We’ll bring it to you as soon as we have it.