Trump demands wall funding in ‘major border security package’

President Trump in an early-morning tweet the day after Thanksgiving demanded funding for a wall at the southern border as part of a “major Border Security package.” 

“Republicans and Democrats MUST come together, finally, with a major Border Security package, which will include funding for the Wall,” Trump wrote from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

Republicans and Democrats MUST come together, finally, with a major Border Security package, which will include funding for the Wall. After 40 years of talk, it is finally time for action. Fix the Border, for once and for all, NOW!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 23, 2018

{mosads}Trump has kept the door open to a potential government shutdown if an upcoming deal to fund parts of the government does not include funding for a border wall. Congress has until Dec. 7 to fund the rest of the government after lawmakers punted on seven of the 12 individual funding bills before the end-of-the-fiscal-year deadline. 

Trump over the summer had struck a less bipartisan tone as he told Republican lawmakers to “stop wasting their time” trying to work with Democrats on immigration until they took back more seats in the House and Senate.

But the GOP lost the House in this month’s midterm elections, and liberal lawmakers are vehemently opposed to funding Trump’s long-promised border wall.

Trump in another tweet touted “bipartisan” possibilities for his other legislative priority, criminal justice reform.

Really good Criminal Justice Reform has a true shot at major bipartisan support. @senatemajldr Mitch McConnell and @senchuckschumer have a real chance to do something so badly needed in our country. Already past, with big vote, in House. Would be a major victory for ALL!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 23, 2018

The criminal justice reform bill that Trump has been touting has caused divisions within the GOP. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) told the president last week that he did not believe there would be enough floor time to pass the measure in the lame-duck session.