White House clears up confusion on Trump's understanding of "clean DACA bill"
- Erica Pandey, author of Axios Finish Line
Sanders behind the podium at a White House briefing as a video message from Trump plays behind her. Photo: Alex Wong / Getty Images
Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said President Trump will look for border security as well as an end to chain migration and the diversity visa program in the DACA bill. "Everyone" at today's bipartisan meeting at the White House agreed to focus on those security measures, she added.
The backdrop: Trump initially agreed to a "clean DACA bill" — one that purely protects Dreamers — proposed by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, but he later clarified that his definition of a clean bill includes security measures. Sanders also did not specify whether one of Trump's must-haves in the bill, "border security," means funding for a border wall. If it does, it could be a potential hiccup in securing Democratic support.
- Trump hasn't abandoned the idea of having Mexico pay for the border wall.
- On why the press was allowed in what was supposed to be a closed-press immigration meeting: "A number of individuals felt it was a good thing to let you into the conversation and cooperation on both sides."
- On Davos: Trump "welcomes the opportunity to advance his America First agenda with world leaders."
- On North Korea's decision to send a delegation to the Olympics: It doesn't change the U.S.'s decision to participate, Sanders said.
- On Oprah 2020: "Is she a successful individual? Absolutely. But in terms of where she stands on a number of positions, I would find a lot of problems with that."