One year ago, President Trump capitulated in a fight with Congress over funding for a border wall, deciding instead to enact a national emergency that would allow him to repurpose money for it. After a few legal battles, Trump got his way; the Pentagon freed up billions of dollars and Trump’s wall — a centerpiece of his 2016 campaign — got underway. Mexico wasn’t paying for it as Trump had promised, but someone was, and that was good enough.
There’s stark contrast between that fight and the dry, pro forma announcement from the White House on Thursday that extended the national emergency for a second year. Congress is mandated to review the declaration every six months and has done so, but its determination that the emergency should be ended was met with presidential vetoes.
Paired with Thursday’s announcement was a news report on how the Pentagon was still reorganizing pools of money to meet Trump’s needs. Another $3.8 billion will be diverted from purchasing new aircraft and drones, upgrading vehicles and making other purchases so that more wall can be built in this crucial election year. Continue reading.