Trump claims 'wall' around Obamas' DC home is 'same thing' as border wall

By Brett Samuels - 12/30/18 05:34 PM EST
 

President TrumpDonald John TrumpThe Hill's Morning Report - White House, Congress: Urgency of now around budget GOP presses Trump to make a deal on spending Democrats wary of handing Trump a win on infrastructure MORE on Sunday referenced reports of a privacy "wall" built around former President Obama's Washington, D.C., home to justify the construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, as he continues to push for funding the structure amid a partial government shutdown.

Trump tweeted that the brick structure reportedly put up last year along the Obamas' Kalorama home was "totally necessary for their safety and security."

"The U.S. needs the same thing, slightly larger version!" Trump tweeted.

TMZ first reported two years ago that the Obamas had obtained permits for additional security at their D.C. home. The structure, which in photos appears to be similar to a security fence but made of brick, was reportedly completed in 2017.

Trump has pushed for a wall along the southern border since he first launched his presidential campaign, and has pledged Mexico would pay for the structure.

Funding for the wall has been at the center of the budget impasse that spurred the current partial government shutdown. Parts of the government have been closed for nine days and counting.

Trump has demanded $5 billion for wall funding and previously said he'd be "proud" to shut down the government over the money, while Democrats have refused to offer more than $1.3 billion for border security measures.

The Senate earlier this month passed a stopgap bill that included $1.6 billion for border security, while the House passed a measure that included Trump's desired $5 billion. Neither side has offered a compromise in the time since.

Sen. Lindsey GrahamLindsey Olin GrahamTensions swirl around Iran as administration to brief Congress Press: Justin Amash breaks ranks with party Overnight Defense: Iran tensions swirl as officials prepare to brief Congress | Trump threatens war would be 'end of Iran' | Graham tells Trump to 'stand firm' | Budget talks begin MORE (R-S.C.) said Sunday following a private lunch with the president that Trump is "firm in his commitment to make sure we get money for border security."

"There’ll never be a deal that doesn’t have money for the physical barriers," he told reporters.

A spokesperson for the Obamas declined to comment. 

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