The Memo: Divisions linger in Trump World over 'emergency' gambit

The idea of President Trump declaring a national emergency in order to build his southern border wall is back on the table at the White House — but it is a divisive suggestion, even among his own advisers.

Hard-liners, including senior adviser Stephen Miller and, reportedly, trade adviser Peter Navarro, are among those advocating for such a declaration. But others, including the president’s son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner, are much more ambivalent.

Kushner acknowledges that the president has the power to make such a declaration, but he is urging that the focus should remain on a legislative solution.

The discussion has been given new urgency after Trump suffered a serious defeat on the government shutdown, capitulating without any funding for the wall after 35 days.

Instead, the president agreed to a short-term spending measure funding the government for three weeks.

Stung when some commentators said he had caved, Trump hinted at a declaration of national emergency on Twitter, writing on Friday that there was “the understanding that in 21 days, if no deal is done, it’s off to the races!”

https://thehill.com/homenews/the-memo/427368-the-memo-divisions-linger-in-trump-world-over-emergency-gambit

Basically in spite of all his bluster and talk Trump is not very good at the art of the deal.