After a Friday meeting at the White House, ending the government shutdown appears no closer to reality.  In fact, both sides seem more entrenched every day.

From The Washington Post:

“President Trump and congressional leaders failed again on Friday to break a deadlock that has kept the government partially shut down for two weeks, and the top Senate Democrat said the president threatened to keep agencies closed for “months or even years.”

“Emerging from what they called a “sometimes contentious” meeting at the White House, Democratic leaders said Mr. Trump remained adamant that he would not sign spending bills to reopen the shuttered offices unless Congress approved money for his wall on the southern border.”

Shortly after the meeting, the press was summoned to the rose garden where Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and GOP Congressional leaders spoke of the need for a wall.  Trump’s misstatements were numerous and lengthy.

https://twitter.com/joshscampbell/status/1081267782447116288

ABC News is reporting that Trump is considering declaring a national emergency to secure funding.

“Sources tell ABC News the discussions are still on the “working level” adding that there’s a range of legal mechanisms that are being considered before such a decision is announced.

“The president, when asked about ABC News’ reporting later on Friday during a press conference, acknowledged that he would consider granting himself national emergency powers to help get the wall built “for the security of our country”. He did not elaborate on the details of such a process.”