Trumpland

Trump: I Will ‘100 Percent’ Close Border if Congress Doesn’t Agree to Deal

PRIORITIES

The president claimed that security in the U.S. was “more important than trade.”

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Joshua Roberts/Reuters

President Trump told reporters Tuesday that a complete shutdown of the U.S.-Mexico border would have a “negative impact” on the U.S. economy—but insisted that U.S. security is his priority. “Sure, it’s going to have a negative impact on the economy. It’s one of the biggest trade deals in the world... It’s a very big trading parter,“ Trump said. “But to me—trading is very important, the borders are very important, but security is what is most important to me.” The president continued, stating that security is non-negotiable for him and “more important than trade.” “If we don’t make a deal with Congress, the border’s going to be closed. 100 percent,” Trump said. Earlier this week, Trump threatened to completely shut down the southern border if Mexico does not stop undocumented immigrants from coming into the U.S.

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