Trump threatens to have military build border wall if Pelosi, Schumer won’t budge

[libertybele]

Trump threatens to have military build border wall if Pelosi, Schumer won’t budge

President Trump threatened Tuesday to have the military “build the remaining sections” of the U.S.-Mexico border wall, appearing to revive a call to use Pentagon money to finish the project as he braces for a tense meeting with congressional Democratic leaders opposed to the president’s funding request.

“People do not yet realize how much of the Wall, including really effective renovation, has already been built. If the Democrats do not give us the votes to secure our Country, the Military will build the remaining sections of the Wall. They know how important it is!” Trump vowed, capping a series of tweets meant to set the stage for the White House summit.

For their part, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer put out a joint statement Monday arguing Trump and his party will own a government shutdown if they can’t strike a deal.

"Republicans still control the House, the Senate and the White House, and they have the power to keep government open," they said. "Our country cannot afford a Trump Shutdown," the Democrats said, adding that Trump "knows full well that his wall proposal does not have the votes to pass the House and Senate and should not be an obstacle to a bipartisan agreement."......

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-threatens-to-have-military-build-border-wall-if-pelosi-schumer-wont-budge

[Wingnut]

Do we still have SeaBees?
"Can Do".

[Chosen Daughter]

shut it down.  Own it!  Use the authority you have because it is all you have.

[edpc]

We’ve heard this before....

[Cyber Liberty]

I imagine the Rats would be OK with it because it would take money away from military preparedness.

[Skeptic]

The military would make a border wall sturdy tall and thick, probably not penitrable like a civilian contractor could build one.

[libertybele]

Questioning whether or not Trump has the authority??

According to this article, perhaps not.

https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2018/12/11/trump-says-troops-could-finish-building-border-wall/

...........

Using military funds for non-military projects like the security wall would appear to violate federal and congressional rules governing defense appropriations. Trump on several occasions has suggested that he can use the military as a substitute for his wall proposal, which critics have also charged as improper use of the armed forces.

Last week, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis approved an extension of the military border mission through Jan. 31, although it remains unclear how many troops will remain in southern states for that long..............

[skeeter]

Trump needs to stop beating around the bush and just declare what we all know is true - the rats have been completely dishonest with the American people on this issue. They have no intention of stopping illegal immigration, their political future depends upon it, and it doesn't matter how many American lives are destroyed in the process, they will oppose any effort to stop it. Go on just say it.

And any republican who isn't foursquare behind doing anything within the federal government's power to stop it can go join the b*stards.

[libertybele]

Trump needs to stop beating around the bush and just declare what we all know is true - the rats have been completely dishonest with the American people on this issue. They have no intention of stopping illegal immigration, their political future depends upon it, and it doesn't matter how many American lives are destroyed in the process, they will oppose any effort to stop it. Go on just say it.

And any republican who isn't foursquare behind doing anything within the federal government's power to stop it can go join the b*stards.

Truth of the matter is that there are GOP politicians that don't want the wall either.  Perhaps Trump's biggest mistake was waiting till after the mid terms and losing the House to take drastic measures. Playing hardball at the last minute is futile.

[aligncare]

Truth of the matter is that there are GOP politicians that don't want the wall either.  Perhaps Trump's biggest mistake was waiting till after the mid terms and losing the House to take drastic measures. Playing hardball at the last minute is futile.

Except that the possibility existed GOP could have made gains in the house.

Besides, Trump has been treading on shaky political ground since day one of his presidency given the Mueller witchhunt. Trump had to carefully play the hand he was dealt.

[libertybele]

Except that the possibility existed GOP could have made gains in the house.

Besides, Trump has been treading on shaky political ground since day one of his presidency given the Mueller witchhunt. Trump had to carefully play the hand he was dealt.

Anything is possible, but then there is reality.  Trump should have realized that seats would be lost when the House pooped on itself and passed O'care onto the Senate.  Secondly, this isn't the first time the House didn't budget $$ for the wall. 

IMHO this is nothing but a futile attempt by Trump to save face and blame the DEMS.  Not buying it. 

Three weeks before the new Congress is sworn it and now he's playing hard ball??  The GOP has held the majority for the past 4 years and Trump should have played hard ball then.  This is nothing more than political posturing.

[Cyber Liberty]

Three weeks before the new Congress is sworn it and now he's playing hard ball??  The GOP has held the majority for the past 4 years and Trump should have played hard ball then.  This is nothing more than political posturing.

Can you remember a politician who didn't posture?  Pepperidge Farm doesn't.

[RetBobbyMI]

National guard engineer units are always looking for projects to build and only need the authorization and funding. Most of the Army’s construction trades are in the National Guard anyway.

[libertybele]

National guard engineer units are always looking for projects to build and only need the authorization and funding. Most of the Army’s construction trades are in the National Guard anyway.

Ok.  The question still remains; does the President have the authority to authorize funding for the National Guard to erect a wall?  Doesn't funding still have to be approved by Congress? 

[rustynail]

A Federal Judge will stop him cold.

[Wingnut]

A Federal Judge will stop him cold.

And then the 9th circus.  then on to the SC.   What a country.

[libertybele]

And then the 9th circus.  then on to the SC.   What a country.

If this issue does go all the way to the SCOTUS, hopefully they will hear the case.  After the blow that they dealt yesterday on refusing to hear the Planned Parenthood case, I really have some doubt.

[Fishrrman]

Title:
"Trump threatens to have military build border wall if Pelosi, Schumer won’t budge"

Once again, Mr. Trump has taken my advice:
http://www.gopbriefingroom.com/index.php/topic,343493.msg1865509.html#msg1865509

[RetBobbyMI]

Ok.  The question still remains; does the President have the authority to authorize funding for the National Guard to erect a wall?  Doesn't funding still have to be approved by Congress?

There is leeway in the appropriations laws to move funding within the authorizations up to a certain threshold.