Will close down the government to build border wall: Trump
What's the story
Addressing supporters at the 'Make America Great Again' rally in Phoenix, Arizona, President Donald Trump noted that he will build a border wall, even if he has to close down the US government. Building a wall along the US-Mexico border had been one of Trump's key campaign pitches. Trump also spoke of obstruction from Democrats, the Charlottesville violence and the media.
Do you know?
Trump's border wall rhetoric
Building a wall along the 2000-mile US-Mexico border to keep illegal immigrants out, was one of Trump's key Presidential campaign pitches. So far Congress has refused to finance Trump's border wall. However, he remains adamant that its construction would proceed as planned.
Speech
A 'big beautiful wall' along the US-Mexico border
Trump wants the Congress to finance the construction of the wall. Referring to opposition from Democrats as an obstruction, he said that they were putting the safety of America at risk. Also stating that 'American people voted for immigration control', Trump said that if Democrats continue to obstruct wall construction, he would go to the extent of shutting the US government down.
Media reporting
On Charlottesville
Trump lashed out at the media for supposedly misrepresenting his words condemning the Charlottesville violence which resulted in the death of 32-year old Heather Heyer. Terming the media 'fake' and 'truly dishonest', he accused them of trying to take away America's heritage and history. He also took a shot at the media for providing a platform to far-right groups.
Quote
What else did he refer to?
Trump noted that he might soon move to terminate the North American Free Trade Agreement and expressed hope towards a positive outcome to the North Korea crisis. "I respect the fact that he is starting to respect us," he further added referring to Kim Jong-un.
Reactions
How has America reacted to Trump's speech?
In reference to the speech, James Clapper, former Director of National Intelligence, questioned Trump's fitness to run for the Presidential office. Ruben Gallego, Democratic Congressman in Arizona termed it 'the worst speech ever' by a US President. However Trump supporters including alt-right leader, Richard Spencer and Ryan Fournier, the head of Students for Trump, lauded his speech.