Courtney Bourgoin, courtney.bourgoin@sierraclub.org, 202-495-3022
Washington, DC-- Today, in a 17-minute exchange with Democratic leadership at the Oval Office, President Trump said he’d be “proud” to shut down the government if he fails to get billions of dollars for his border wall. This is the latest in a long series of episodes in which the Trump Administration recklessly and dangerously attempts to push the border wall boondoggle. In the past 24 hours, the Trump administration has manufactured yet another unnecessary and facetious drama about border security. Reporting by Washington Post last night details how embattled Secretary Ryan Zinke directed information about the environmental damage caused by border walls be removed in a letter to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. And just this morning, Trump also released a series of tweets threatening the use of the military to construct the wall while yet again spreading lies and disinformation.
In response, Michael Brune, Executive Director of Sierra Club released the following statement:
“Trump reminded us once again that he does not understand what it means to govern. That is why he is willing to shut down the government and risk the livelihoods of millions of people as he throws a fit over funding for his unpopular, destructive, and obscenely expensive border wall.
“Americans are overwhelmingly opposed to physical barriers at our border and the militarization of communities -- and Trump’s wall represents the worst of his divisive, racist agenda. With the public and reality standing against him, it’s no wonder Trump is distorting the truth,threatening a shutdown and pushing to call in the military if he doesn't get his way. It’s time for Congress to put an end to this circus: not a single penny should be given to Trump’s border wall.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.