According to Reuters, US President Donald Trump is threatening to deadlock the US government in December if his political-stunt demands on military action at the southern US border aren’t met, as well as the return of Trump’s tactic of holding the US federal government hostage in a bid to fund his campaigned border wall.
Key quotes
“Could there be a shut down? There certainly could and it will be about border security, of which the wall is a part,” Trump told reporters in Palm Beach, Florida.
The U.S. Congress faces a deadline next month to fund parts of the federal government and a possible showdown over money for Trump’s proposed border wall.
Trump also said he had given the military the authorization to use lethal force if necessary on the border with Mexico.
“If they have to they are going to use lethal force. I’ve given the OK – I hope they don’t have to.”
U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Wednesday that he had been granted authority to allow troops on the Mexican border greater powers to help protect border officials, and would await direction from the Department of Homeland Security. Mattis said troops could help protect the border agents with shields and batons, but would be unarmed.
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