President Donald Trump said Tuesday he’d be “proud” to take responsibility for a government shutdown if Democrats don’t provide funding for a border wall.
The president’s comments came during a contentious meeting with Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi.
“If we don’t get what we want one way or the other… I will shut down the government,” Mr. Trump said during an argument that played out in front of reporters before the meeting officially began. “I am proud to shut down the government for border security… I will take the mantle of shutting it down.”
Pelosi and Schumer pushed back, noting that Republicans have full control of Congress until January. Pelosi also noted that President Trump still does not have the Republican support needed in the House, even with the current majority.
“This temper tantrum that he seems to throw will not get him his wall and will hurt a lot of people because he will cause a shutdown,” Schumer said after the meeting.
If a funding bill can’t be agreed upon by December 21, large parts of the federal government could be temporarily shuttered. The Department of Defense, however, is funded through the end of next September.
