The President

Trump Threatens To Shut Down Government Over Border Wall Funding

President Trump is again pushing for funding for his border wall, and he said he's willing to shut down the government to get it.

Trump Threatens To Shut Down Government Over Border Wall Funding
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Clashes over border security took center stage in an Oval Office meeting between President Donald Trump and Democratic leaders Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Nancy Pelosi. 

"If we don't get what we want, one way or the other, whether it's through you, through military, through anyone you want to call, I will shut down the government. Absolutely," Trump said. 

"OK, fair enough. We disagree. We disagree," Schumer responded. 

"I am proud. And I'll tell you what, I am proud to shut down the government for border security," Trump said. 

The three were discussing multiple issues, including the need to pass a budget. The current spending bill expires on Dec. 21. 

Typically, these discussions happen behind closed doors — not in front of the White House press pool. And originally, the meeting was supposed to be closed to the press. 

After the meeting, Schumer and Pelosi spoke to reporters again and held firm against any budget plan that sets aside money for a new border wall. 

"This Trump shutdown, this temper tantrum that he seems to throw will not get him his wall, and it will hurt a lot of people because it will cause a shutdown," Schumer said. 

Trump already threatened to shut down the government over a border wall earlier this year. In that case, Congress ended up passing a short-term spending bill to keep the government open, but it didn't include funding for a border wall. 

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN