WATCH: Trump says he can use emergency powers to build border wall without Congress

Politics

President Donald Trump says he's considered using executive authority to get a wall built on the southern border.

Trump told reporters Friday that he could officially declare a national emergency to build a border wall but wants to try to negotiate a border wall with Congress.

Trump said: "I can do it if I want. We can call a national emergency. I may do it."

He says he thinks the standoff over the border wall, which has resulted in a partial government shutdown, is going to be over sooner than people think.

In response to reporters questions about reports that members of the President's senior political team are poised to receive a $10,000 pay raise, because the government shutdown allows an existing pay freeze to lapse, Vice President Mike Pence indicated he would turn it down.

Support PBS News Hour

Your tax-deductible donation ensures our vital reporting continues to thrive.

WATCH: Trump says he can use emergency powers to build border wall without Congress first appeared on the PBS News website.

Additional Support Provided By: