Trump Rejects Senate Proposal on DHS Funding
President Donald Trump has turned down a suggestion from Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) to end a deal with Democrats that aimed to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) without including funds for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
According to a report from Punch Bowl News, Thune mentioned that he had shared the proposal with Trump, suggesting that ICE funding could be addressed in the future through the settlement.
Democrats are unlikely to benefit from the settlement, which would involve demands like a ban on masks for federal employees and a request for a judicial warrant. Additionally, it would ensure that TSA personnel are paid and that airport security lines are minimized.
However, Trump firmly declined. Reportedly, he has urged Republicans to remain in Washington, D.C., and continue their conflict with Democrats regarding DHS funding, the SAVE America Act, and the Republican Voter ID and Citizenship Verification bill.
Moreover, Trump has warned he might publicly criticize Senate Republicans if they decide to leave for the next recess. He also stated he would invite all Republican senators and their families to Easter dinner at the White House, a move some Republicans interpreted as a threat rather than an invitation.
On Sunday night, Trump expressed his opposition to any deal with Democrats on Truth Social.
“Unless the radical left Democrats, who are intent on destroying the country, align with Republicans and advance the Save America Act, we shouldn’t make any compromises with them,” he stated.
He has urged that the SAVE America Act be linked to DHS funding.
This is more crucial than any other matter we’re addressing in the Senate. It involves the same people responsible for this mess—Democrats—who have cut ICE funding by $5 billion and presented a deal to me and the American people that is simply unacceptable, even under different guises. This includes provisions for voter ID (with photo!), citizenship for voting, restrictions on mail-in voting (with some exceptions), strict paper authorization, barring males from participating in women’s sports, and preventing any form of gender-related surgeries on children. Let’s consolidate these points, and allow us to identify those few “Republicans” who are opposing America. They won’t have a chance of being elected again! So, let’s unite and vote! Maintain the filibuster if necessary and stick around in DC through Easter.
Thune’s proposal comes amid rising wait times at airports as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) faces challenges following the DHS budget stalemate.
