President Donald Trump tweeted Sunday that he would be willing to "shut down" the government if he doesn't get border security legislation that includes funding for the wall, eliminating the visa lottery and ending the practice of catch and release.
"I would be willing to 'shut down' government if the Democrats do not give us the votes for Border Security, which includes the Wall! Must get rid of Lottery, Catch & Release etc. and finally go to system of Immigration based on MERIT! We need great people coming into our Country!" Trump tweeted.
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1023557246628900864
Trump's threat to shut down the government comes as Congress works to pass appropriation bills. Congress must pass the bills to keep the government funded by Sept. 30 to prevent a shutdown. If unable to pass appropriation bills, Congress will most likely resort to an omnibus bill, a spending bill that covers multiple budget areas.
Before the president tweeted his threat about shutting down the government, he also tweeted about immigration and how Congress needs to fix the "dumbest and worst" immigration laws in the world.
"Please understand, there are consequences when people cross our Border illegally, whether they have children or not - and many are just using children for their own sinister purposes. Congress must act on fixing the DUMBEST & WORST immigration laws anywhere in the world! Vote 'R,'" he said.
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1023538164298858497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1023538164298858497&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fthehill.com%2Fhomenews%2Fadministration%2F399382-trump-warns-of-government-shutdown-over-border-security
The Trump administration triggered bipartisan backlash by implementing a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal border crossings, charging all individuals who cross the border illegally with unlawful entry. The policy resulted in the separation of minors from their parents. Due to the backlash, Trump signed an executive order to stop separating parents and children at the U.S. border. The Trump administration is now working to meet a federal judge's deadline to reunite families.
In the past, the president has decried government shutdowns and said they would be "devastating" to the military.
"A government shutdown will be devastating to our military...something the Dems care very little about!" Trump tweeted at the beginning of 2018.
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/953987636057821184