Before boarding Marine One to visit the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas Thursday, President Trump said he is leaning toward declaring a national emergency after it was clear in Wednesday's meeting with the congressional Democrats they were not going to fund the $5 billion for the border wall.
One big quote: "I have the absolute right to declare a national emergency. I haven't done it yet. I may do it. If this doesn't work out, probably I will do it. I would almost say definitely."
When asked why he hasn't declared a national emergency already, President Trump said he would like to make a deal to reopen the government through Congress, because that makes the most sense. "But the easy route is for me call a national emergency and do it," he said.
- "It would be nice if we could make a deal but dealing with [Democrats] is ridiculous. ... They have gotten crazy."
- "China is actually much easier to deal with than the opposition party."
- “I didn’t pound the table. I didn’t pound the table. That is a lie. ... I don’t have temper tantrums. ... All of that narrative is a lie.”
Go deeper: All the ways Americans are feeling the effects of the shutdown