President Donald Trump said Tuesday he would be “proud to shut down the government for border security” during a meeting with Vice President Mike Pence, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) that grew heated in front of the press as they discussed Trump’s border wall funding.
As Trump and Schumer sparred over who was responsible for the last government shutdown, Trump said he would “take the mantle” if a shutdown happens over border security.
“I am proud to shut down the government for border security, Chuck,” he said. “The people of this country don’t want criminals and people that have lots of problems and drugs pouring into our country. So I will take the mantle. I will be the one to shut it down and I’m not going to blame you.”
Trump in heated talks with Dems: "I am proud to shut down the government over border security." pic.twitter.com/y0tvGXKMFd
— TPM Livewire (@TPMLiveWire) December 11, 2018
Trump has made similar comments in the past and even told Fox News’ Sean Hannity that the only reason he agreed to drop his border wall funding ahead of the midterms was to avoid a shutdown that could be bad for Republicans ahead of the election.
