Donald Trump: Republicans Can Avoid Government Shutdown by Demanding Border Security

Former President Donald Trump recently weighed in on the looming threat of a government shutdown, asserting that the Republican Party possesses "tremendous power" to prevent it, provided they use their influence to demand robust border security measures. Trump believes that if the GOP stands united and resolute on this issue, Democrats would ultimately be compelled to negotiate and accept a deal.

Speaking from his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, and echoing sentiments on his Truth Social platform, Trump emphasized the importance of leveraging the upcoming budget deadlines.

He suggested that Republicans should make any government funding contingent on significant advancements in border control, describing the current situation as "open borders" and a "disaster."

The former president's advice comes at a critical time for House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who is grappling with a divided Republican caucus.

Hardline conservatives are pushing for steep spending cuts and significant policy changes, including stringent border enforcement, as conditions for approving appropriations bills. With federal funding set to expire at the end of September, the specter of a government shutdown looms large, mirroring past fiscal impasses where border wall funding played a central role.

Trump recalled his own experiences, stating he "shut down the government once" over border security, a move he considered successful in drawing attention to the issue.

He indicated that a strong, unified stance from Republicans could force concessions from Democrats, arguing that the latter would rather make a deal than allow the government to shut down indefinitely, especially with public opinion often turning against the party perceived as causing the gridlock.

He praised some Republican leaders like Speaker McCarthy and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell but stressed the need for them to be "very tough." Trump's consistent message is that the border issue is paramount and offers Republicans a powerful bargaining chip.

He urged the party not to capitulate on spending without first securing their demands on immigration and border protection, framing it as an opportunity they must seize to avoid another funding crisis without achieving their core goals.