The temporary funding agreement reached after the last government shutdown will run out on Thursday if another agreement isn’t reached. President Donald Trump’s latest comments about a government shutdown continue the party politics he’s been playing since last month’s shutdown. His tweets during the shutdown blamed the Democrats and stated the need for more Republicans in office to avoid these actions happening again.
Democrats are far more concerned with Illegal Immigrants than they are with our great Military or Safety at our dangerous Southern Border. They could have easily made a deal but decided to play Shutdown politics instead. #WeNeedMoreRepublicansIn18 in order to power through mess!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018
The New York Times reports that Trump would “welcome” another government shutdown if a spending deal that solidifies immigration laws isn’t reached. CNN says that Trump told reporters in a White House meeting, “If we don’t change [the country’s immigration laws], let’s have a shutdown. We’ll do a shutdown and it’s worth it for our country. I’d love to see a shutdown if we don’t get this stuff taken care of.”
Trump continued, “If we have to shut it down because the Democrats don’t want safety, and unrelated but still related, they don’t want to take care of our military, then shut it down. We’ll go with another shutdown.”
Trump seems to be prematurely pinning the possibility of a shutdown on Democrats, which continues his trend of praising Republicans throughout this process.
Big win for Republicans as Democrats cave on Shutdown. Now I want a big win for everyone, including Republicans, Democrats and DACA, but especially for our Great Military and Border Security. Should be able to get there. See you at the negotiating table!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 23, 2018
So, Mr. President, is another shutdown really a good idea? Barbara Comstock (R-Va.) disagreed with Trump via The Times, saying, “We don’t need a government shutdown on this. Both sides have learned that a government shutdown was bad.”
Also seen among responses to Trump’s casual remark was reportedly a “sense of numbness,” especially given Trump’s rather random and often bizarre other comments. It took another Republican to comment on how Trump’s behavior has changed so many politicians’ views of his statements.
Sen. Jeff Flake, an Arizona representative who is said to be against Trump, said on the Senate floor, “Have we arrived at such a place of numb acceptance that we have nothing to say when a president of the United States casually suggests that those who choose not to stand or applaud his speech are guilty of treason? I certainly hope not.”
Mr. President, treason is not a punchline. pic.twitter.com/iQXyzHfTKS
— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) February 6, 2018
Here’s hoping that a new funding agreement comes about soon. If not, I’m sure that Trump will comment on the updates in one way or another.