McAllen, United States – President Donald Trump has again threatened todeclare a national emergency along the border with Mexico as he seeksfunding for a wall he says will keep out dangerous immigrants — his latestjab in a fight with Democrats in Congress that has now shut down parts ofthe government for a record-tying 21 days.
Such a declaration, almost certain to be challenged in court, would intheory allow Trump to sidestep Congress and divert money from militaryprojects toward construction of the wall that has been a core focus of hisnationalist campaign.
Speaking to Fox News in an interview broadcast Thursday evening, Trumpreiterated he had “the absolute right to declare a national emergency.”
But pressed on a timeline for doing so, he said he would “see what happens”over the coming days.
Analysts say the declaration would likely be challenged as a case ofpresidential overreach, which means the wall could still face being blocked.
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However, it would give Trump political cover with his base by showing he’ddone what he could to build the wall. At that point, Trump could end theshutdown and declare a win.
The embarrassing closure of parts of the US government will set a record 22days on Saturday.
Meanwhile, on Friday, some 800,000 federal workers who are working withoutpay or not at all because of the impasse will miss their first paychecksince the shutdown. – APP/AFP
