Trump Addresses the Nation

The federal government shutdown is now the longest in the nation’s history. Last week, eighteen days into the shutdown, Trump addressed the country on national television to explain why it was happening and to give his point of view. Here, Election Central takes a closer look at Trump’s speech, as well as Congress’s reaction.

What Did Trump Say?

The central focus of the president’s speech was the need for border security. He explained that the federal government had shut down because Democrats have refused to allocate enough money in the budget for adequate border security. (To give some background: Trump has asked for $5.7 billion to build a wall along the southern border. Democratic legislators have refused to sign off on this, though they have already allocated $1.3 billion in the budget for border security.)

Trump emphasized that the current influx of undocumented immigrants puts a strain on the country’s resources and potentially brings crime and drugs into the United States. He also stated that the wall would not be the huge expense Democrats claim it would be, because it would largely be paid for with funds from the new trade deal between the U.S. and Mexico.

What Was the Democratic Response?

Democratic legislators immediately accused the president of spreading fear and lies in his speech, rather than accurate information. Many sources have pointed out that undocumented immigrants are actually less likely to commit crimes than native-born Americans, and that most drugs enter the country through legal ports. Furthermore, the new trade deal with Mexico–which Trump claims will fund the wall–hasn’t even passed Congress yet.

The official Democratic response was given by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (California) and Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer (New York). Senator Schumer accused the president of throwing a temper tantrum, while Representative Pelosi emphasized that Democrats have tried to introduce bipartisan bills to reopen the government, which Trump has rejected. She also stated that what is happening at the southern border is not the security threat Trump claims it is, but rather a humanitarian crisis. Senator Schumer ended his speech by requesting that Trump reopen the federal government immediately, while discussions about the border wall continue.

A dozen Senate Democrats, led by Tim Kaine (Virginia) and Jeanne Shaheen (New Hampshire), also staged a protest on the floor of the Senate, hoping to pressure majority leader Mitch McConnell (Kentucky) to allow a vote on legislation to reopen the government. Many Democratic leaders have indicated that they are more determined than ever not to fund the wall.

What Was the Republican Response?

Republican leaders backed up Mr. Trump’s speech and emphasized how important it is to support the president right now. Some indicated that failing to support Trump on this issue would undermine his entire presidency.

So What Did Trump’s Speech Change?

Not much. Both sides continue to dig in their heels as the federal government shutdown drags on. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of federal employees aren’t receiving a paycheck, trash is overflowing at the national parks, and lines at airport security checkpoints are up to an hour long.

Dig Deeper Read the following list of 82 effects of the government shutdown. Choose two issues from this list, and write a short paragraph explaining how they each personally impact you.