Trump Delays California Border Wall Until Entire Project Approved
Join us and tell your reps how you feel!
What’s the story?
President Donald Trump tweeted on Wednesday that he will not begin construction on his border wall with Mexico until Congress fully funds the project:
I have decided that sections of the Wall that California wants built NOW will not be built until the whole Wall is approved. Big victory yesterday with ruling from the courts that allows us to proceed. OUR COUNTRY MUST HAVE BORDER SECURITY!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 28, 2018
The move comes a day after a judge ruled the Trump administration had the legal authority to waive environmental laws to expedite the construction of the wall.
Why does it matter?
In his budget proposal to Congress, Trump requested $23 billion for border security, with $18 billion earmarked for his "big beautiful wall."
Congress has yet to pass any legislation to fund the wall, and Trump’s demands that Mexico pay for its construction have not materialized.
The president has been urging lawmakers to reject any DACA proposals that do not include funds for securing the border.
Why mention California?
As the L.A. Times explained, Trump’s "tweet, an apparent attempt to punish California, seemed to be an effort to fuel the continuing battle between the state’s liberal, pro-immigration officials and Trump’s White House."
It is unclear what Trump means regarding the "sections of the Wall that California wants built NOW" given the state’s opposition to the project.
The Golden State’s Attorney General, Xavier Becerra, vowed to continue fighting the wall:
We will evaluate all of our options and are prepared to do what is necessary to protect our people, our values, and our economy from federal overreach. A medieval wall along the U.S.-Mexico border simply does not belong in the 21st century.
— Xavier Becerra (@AGBecerra) February 28, 2018
What do you think?
Should the president hold off on building the wall until the entire project is approved? Do you want Congress to pass legislation to fund the wall? Hit Take Action and tell your reps, then share your thoughts below.
—Josh Herman
(Photo Credit: tiero / iStock)
The Latest
-
SCOTUS Hears Trump Immunity Case, Appearing SkepticalUpdated Apr. 26, 2024, 11:00 a.m. EST The Supreme Court heard oral arguments today over whether Trump is immune from prosecution read more... States
-
IT: 🖋️ Biden signs a bill approving military aid and creating hurdles TikTok, and... Should the U.S. call for a ceasefire?Welcome to Thursday, April 25th, readers near and far... Biden signed a bill that approved aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, read more...
-
Biden Signs Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan Aid, and TikTok BillWhat’s the story? President Joe Biden signed a bill that approved aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, which could lead to a ban read more... Taiwan
-
Protests Grow Nationwide as Students Demand Divestment From IsraelUpdated Apr. 23, 2024, 11:00 a.m. EST Protests are growing on college campuses across the country, inspired by the read more... Advocacy