Here's What Trump Thinks of the Border Deal

He's not 'thrilled,' but doesn't think there will be another shutdown
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 12, 2019 1:23 PM CST
Trump Not 'Thrilled' With Border Deal
President Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Washington.   (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)

So what does President Trump think of the bipartisan border deal struck Monday in the hopes of preventing another partial government shutdown? "I can’t say I’m happy. I can’t say I’m thrilled," he told reporters during a Cabinet meeting, according to the Hill. The deal provides $1.375 billion in funding for 55 miles of new fences along the US-Mexico border, as opposed to the $5.7 billion Trump has been demanding to build more than 200 miles of border wall. But Democrats did agree to drop their requirement for a hard limit on how many undocumented immigrants can be detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement at once. Trump must sign the deal by midnight Friday to avoid the new shutdown. "I would hope that there won’t be a shutdown," he said. "I am extremely unhappy with what the Democrats have given us. It’s sad."

But he added, per the Washington Post, "I don’t think you’re going to see a shutdown. I wouldn’t want to see a shutdown. ... And I accepted the first one ... But this one, I would never accept it if it happens." As for the border wall money, he indicated he would find a way to get what he wants: "Am I happy at first glance? The answer is no, I’m not, I’m not happy," he said of the deal. "It’s not going to do the trick, but I’m adding things to it and when you add whatever I have to add, it’s all going to happen where we’re going to build a beautiful big strong wall." The Hill notes he appeared to be referring to redirecting federal funding meant for other projects: "I’m thrilled because we’re supplementing things and moving things around and we’re doing things that are fantastic and taking from far less important areas and the bottom line is we’re building a lot of wall." (More border security stories.)

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