With the partial government shutdown now in its 12th day — and with Democrats taking control of the House on Thursday — President Trump invited congressional leaders from both parties to a gathering in the Situation Room billed as a border security briefing. It only served to highlight the gulf between the president, who has dug in on his demand for Congress to fund a border wall, his signature campaign promise, and Democrats, who have refused to do so. Earlier, Mr. Trump rejected a plan that Vice President Mike Pence privately floated to Democrats last month, saying $2.5 billion for border security — rather than the $5.6 billion that the president has requested — was insufficient. He also rejected a compromise that would pair money for a wall with legislation to protect young immigrants brought to the country illegally as children. Above, at a cabinet meeting.

Source: New York Times January 02, 2019 23:19 UTC