Speaking during a border security round table Friday afternoon at the White House, President Trump said that for the time being, he will not be declaring a national emergency as the government shutdown drags on.
"I'm not going to do it so fast," Trump said, adding that Democrats should come back to town and negotiate. "We want Congress to do its job."
"What we're not looking to do right now is national emergency," he continued. "I'd rather not do it."
"It's the easy way out but Congress should do this," he said. "If they can't do it I will declare a national emergency."
Yesterday during a visit to the southern border in Texas, President Trump put DACA on the table as a negotiating point with Democrats.
“I would like to do a much broader form of immigration," Trump said. “We could help the dreamers. I was ready to help the dreamers and then we got a decision.”
President Trump maintains he has the authority to declare a national emergency. Republicans on Capitol Hill are split on the issue.
Mr. President,
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) January 11, 2019
Declare a national emergency NOW.
Build a wall NOW.
Democrats continue to refuse to negotiate in good faith or appropriate any money for border barriers. If they won’t compromise, POTUS should use asset forfeiture money or other discretionary fees to start construction. If not, he should declare a national emergency. It's time.
— Mark Meadows (@RepMarkMeadows) January 11, 2019
Murkowski says if Trump declares a national emergency for border wall, the next president may try to do something on climate change and say 'I don't care if I have the support of Congress. I'm going to direct these funds to address..& I don't care whether Congress supports me'
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) January 11, 2019