He was responding to a deal struck by Republican and Democratic lawmakers to offer nearly US$1.4 billion for wall construction, a lot less than the US$5.7 billion that the president asked for
President Donald Trump indicated on Tuesday that he would walk back his threat to shut the government even if he does not get all the money he has demanded for building a wall along the US-Mexican border.
Although Trump left enough wiggle room to keep the country guessing, he appeared to be edging toward accepting a deal struck in Congress that would give him significantly less money for the much-maligned barrier.
This was far less than the US$5.7 billion Trump wanted, but it was presented as a workable deal to satisfy both sides and allow Trump to shelve his threat to shut down large portions of the government on Friday.
Trump said he would manage to “add” to the congressional funds, though he did not explain how.
Lawmakers, including from his own Republican Party, pressured Trump to take what was on the table.
Senator Richard Shelby, the top Republican negotiator, called it “a pretty good deal”.
Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy said the compromise would be voted on and likely passed, ready for Trump’s signature.
