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Carolyn Kaster / AP
Sarah Sanders kicked off Tuesday's briefing with a lengthy statement defending the Trump administration's decision to end the Obama-era DACA program, stating "President Trump took the responsible and constitutional step" today.
She then turned the heat up on Congress, saying it's now their job to pass legislation: "They should be rested and ready to take on some big challenges that America faces... That's their job and if they can't do it they should get out of the way."
Briefing highlights:
- How is this move treating DREAMers with great heart? "By allowing an orderly process to take place... it's not cold-hearted for the president to uphold the law... you can't allow emotion to govern."
- Will Trump extend DACA if Congress fails to act in 6 months? Sanders wouldn't say.
- Does Trump support DACA on the merits? "The president... this is not an easy one.... He wants to be able to make a decision with compassion but at the same time you can't allow emotion to govern... The president wrestled with this decision all throughout the weekend."
- On backlash from Democrats: "The most heartless thing I've heard all day is Democrats like Nancy Pelosi using this decision for fundraising."
- How did Trump come to his decision to end DACA? "He made the final decision over the weekend.... [and] has had several conversations with DACA enrollees and with those who are part of the program."
- Why did Sessions make the announcement? "It was a legal issue."