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January 11, 2019

Trump May Raid Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief Funds for Border Wall
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The protests came as President Trump traveled to Mc Allen, Texas, along
the U.S.-Mexico border Thursday to repeat his demand for more than $5
billion in funding for a border wall. In what would be an unprecedented
move, Trump is considering declaring a national emergency in a bid to
circumvent Congress, and he has ordered the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
to look into raiding funds from a $13.9 billion disaster relief bill
meant to help Puerto Rico, Florida, Texas and California recover from
deadly hurricanes and wildfires. After a photo-op at the border, Trump
granted an interview to Fox News host Sean Hannity, who was reportedly
given special access to the president by White House Deputy Chief of
Staff Bill Shine-a former Fox News executive.

Sean Hannity: "Now, you said earlier today that it's likely, that you're
very likely going to declare a national emergency. How soon would that
happen?"

President Donald Trump: "No, if we don't make a deal with Congress, most
likely I will do that. I would actually say I would. I can't imagine any
reason why not, because I'm allowed to do it. The law is 100 percent on
my side."

In fact, many legal scholars and lawmakers say such a move would violate
federal law and could set a dangerous precedent. Carol Rose of the
American Civil Liberties Union said, "He can try, but he's going to be
challenged in court by the ACLU and by about a million other groups."


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