President Trump is moving closer to declaring a national emergency to get money for a border wall, as the chances of doing so through Congress appear slim. Though Trump maintains, “I have the absolute right” to do so, such a move would represent a vast expansion of executive powers — one that even some Republicans oppose, lest it be tried by a Democratic president in the future. It almost certainly would face a legal challenge. But some aides see it as an effective way out of the current stalemate. Meanwhile, on his way yesterday to the border in McAllen, Texas, Trump offered a new take on one of his signature promises: “When, during the campaign, I would say, ‘Mexico is going to pay for it,’ obviously, I never said this and I never meant they’re going to write out a check.” Spoiler alert: He did specifically assert that Mexico would make direct payments.
Source: latimes.com – Los Angeles Times