The US President has labelled a meeting with senior Democrats over the partial US government shutdown last night a “total waste of time.”
President Donald Trump is due to travel to Texas today as he continues to demand $5.7bn (€5bn) to fund his planned border wall with Mexico.
He is expected to meet with border patrol agents US-Mexico border city of McAllen.
President Trump initiated the shutdown after the Democratic Party refused to release the federal funding for the wall.
He is expected to use his Texas visit to decide whether to take the extraordinary step of declaring a State of Emergency – which would allow him to access some of the funding without Congressional permission.
A man throws a ball for his dog Wednesday next to the border wall topped with razor wire in Tijuana, Mexico, 09-01-2019. Image: Gregory Bull/AP/Press Association Images
Shutdown
The shutdown is affecting nearly 800,000 federal workers who are not getting paid while it is ongoing.
President Trump met with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and senate minority leader Chuck Schumer last night in an attempt to break the deadlock.
The Democratic leaders said the president had a “temper tantrum” and walked out of the meeting - as they continued to refuse to release the €5bn funding.
Mr Schumer told reporters that President Trump "sort of slammed the table" and left the meeting.
“Again, we saw a temper tantrum because he couldn't get his way,” he said.
"The president just got up and walked out."
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and senate minority leader Chuck Schumer speak to reporters at the White House, 09-01-2018. Image: Sipa USA/SIPA USA/PA Images
Security
The country’s Vice President Mike Pence rejected the claim however; insisting there was no sign of any anger.
“The president walked into the room and handed out candy,” he said.
“I don’t recall him ever raising his voice or slamming his hand.
“This is a president who feels very strongly about his commitment to see to the security of the American people.”
In a tweet last night, President Trump said he walked out because “nothing else works.”
Just left a meeting with Chuck and Nancy, a total waste of time. I asked what is going to happen in 30 days if I quickly open things up, are you going to approve Border Security which includes a Wall or Steel Barrier? Nancy said, NO. I said bye-bye, nothing else works!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2019
