Trump is exploring 'creative ways' to fund the wall without Congress
Just because President Trump didn't declare a national emergency during his address Tuesday doesn't mean that he's not still considering it, along with some other extreme options.
In fact, a source close to Trump told Axios that the president declaring a national emergency to get his border wall funded without congressional approval "remains the most likely ultimate option." Trump said last week he's open to this after ABC News reported that the administration was considering such a move. "Absolutely we can call a national emergency because of the security of our country," Trump said. "Absolutely." White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders also said Wednesday that a national emergency declaration is "certainly still on the table," per CBS News' Mark Knoller.
This controversial option would involve Trump redirecting government resources and getting the wall funded without approval from Congress. Axios reports that the White House Office of Management and Budget is "exploring" a variety of "creative ways" to get the wall funded without Congress, including using money from the Pentagon.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The legality of any of these steps would almost certainly be challenged, and Axios notes that conservatives around Trump "don't like what they view as an abuse of this authority." In Trump's Oval Office address, he claimed there is "a growing humanitarian and security crisis" at the border, attempting to put pressure on Democrats to agree to fund his wall, a showdown over which sparked the ongoing government shutdown. He said last week that although there may be other options to secure funding, he's giving negotiating with Congress "a shot."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
Saint Paul de Vence: a paradise for art lovers
The Week Recommends The hilltop gem in the French Riviera where 20th century modernism flourished
By Alexandra Zagalsky Published
-
'People in general want workers to earn a decent living'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
What might a Trump victory mean for the global economy?
Today's Big Question A second term in office for the 'America First' administration would send shockwaves far beyond the United States' shores
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
North Korea tests ICBM, readies troops in Ukraine
Speed Read Thousands of North Korean troops are likely to join Russian action against Ukraine
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Women take center stage in campaign finale
Speed Read Harris and Trump are trading gender attacks in the final days before the election
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
US election: who the billionaires are backing
The Explainer More have endorsed Kamala Harris than Donald Trump, but among the 'ultra-rich' the split is more even
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Supreme Court allows purge of Virginia voter rolls
Speed Read Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) is purging some 1,600 people from state voter rolls days before the election
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
'Empowered' Steve Bannon released from prison
Speed Read Bannon was set free a week before Election Day and quickly returned to his right-wing podcast to promote Trump
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Canada accuses top Modi ally of directing Sikh attacks
Speed Read Indian Home Minister Amit Shah was allegedly behind a campaign of violence and intimidation targeting Sikh separatists
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Harris makes closing case in huge rally at DC's Ellipse
Speed Read The Democratic nominee asked voters to "turn the page" on Trump's "division" and "chaos"
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'I am not a Nazi,' Trump says amid MSG rally fallout
Speed Read Trump and his campaign are attempting to stem the fallout from comments made by speakers at Sunday's rally
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published