President Trump is poised to deliver his first prime-time address from the Oval Office since his inauguration Tuesday evening; speaking directly to the American people about the ongoing government shutdown and the nation’s security along the US-Mexico border.
The address comes as the second-longest government shutdown in America’s history enters its third week, with both Democrats and Republicans digging-in on President’s signature campaign promise: a physical barrier along the United States’ southern border.
Watch President Trump’s address below:
BERNIE’S REBUTTAL: Sen. Sanders to Broadcast Online Response to Trump’s Address
Vermont Senator and potential 2020 hopeful Bernie Sanders will offer his official rebuttal on border security following the President’s speech Tuesday night; broadcasting a live event on the Democratic-Socialist’s social media platforms.
“Sen. Bernie Sanders will deliver a response to President Donald Trump’s address to the nation Tuesday night,” said a statement from his office. “Sanders’ response will be live streamed on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.”
INBOX: @BernieSanders to deliver his own response to President Trump's speech tonight. pic.twitter.com/ZK9OhERQ6t
— Ed O'Keefe (@edokeefe) January 8, 2019
Sanders’ response will come just moments after Sen. Schumer and Rep. Pelosi deliver the official Democratic rebuttal to the president’s address on network television.
BUDGET SHOWDOWN: Trump Summons GOP Leaders to White House over Border Wall
President Trump summoned congressional Republicans to the White House Thursday afternoon; throwing a major “roadblock” in their efforts to pass a “stopgap” budget deal that doesn’t include funding for his border wall.
“A potential deal on Capitol Hill to avert a government shutdown with a short-term spending measure hit a roadblock Thursday as the White House said President Trump ‘does not want to go further’ with anything that does not include sought-after funding for border security,” writes Fox News.
“The president is having a meeting with Republican House members at noon today,” White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement. “At this moment, the president does not want to go further without border security, which includes steel slats or a wall. The president is continuing to weigh his options.”
Congress must pass a budget by Friday evening or the government will immediately “shutdown” until an agreement could be reached.
Read the full story at Fox News.