At this time, President Trump requires $5 billion dollars from Congress; this is critical in order to successfully complete the construction of the wall. However, Democrats have more than articulated their refusal to provide the aforementioned funds. In fact, the inability for the president and Democratic leaders to reach a resolution prompted the shutdown of the government on Friday, December 21, 2018. Since the shutdown, President Trump and Democrats have each faulted the other.
For many Americans, the shutdown of the government does not come as a shock. Days leading up to it, Trump got into a very public back-and-forth with leaders Schumer and Pelosi in the Oval Office. Both Democrats urged the president to choose between a series of bills to keep government open. However, since none of the bills provide the necessary wall funding, President Trump did not sign them.
Even with the government shutdown carrying on for over one week, neither party is relenting. Pelosi recently stated that House Democrats will move to reopen the government on January 3, 2019, when they assume their majority. On the other hand, President Trump maintains that he will shut down the Southern border entirely if Democrats persist in their refusal to provide wall funding.
