Trump Rejects John Thune’s Proposal to Fund DHS Without ICE

President Donald Trump reportedly rejected Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s (R-SD) proposal to strike a deal with Democrats to fund the Department of Homeland Security without funding Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Punchbowl News reported that on Sunday, Thune shared the proposal with Trump, noting that ICE could be funded long-term through reconciliation. The outlet reported:

The Democrats would not get some of their main demands – banning masks for federal agents or requiring court warrants – if reconciliation was used. Plus, TSA agents would get their paychecks and the airport security line madness would end.

But Trump said no, according to several sources. The president wants Republicans to stay in Washington and continue fighting with Democrats over DHS funding and the SAVE America Act, the GOP voter ID and proof of citizenship bill.

Not only that, Trump warned he would publicly criticize Senate Republicans if they left town for the upcoming recess. Trump also said he would invite all Republican senators and their families to an Easter dinner at the White House. Some Republicans took this as a threat, not a reward. [Emphasis original.]

Trump spoke to Truth Social on Sunday evening to emphasize that he was against making a deal with Democrats.

“I don’t think we should make a deal with the crazy, country-destroying left-wing radical Democrats unless and until they vote with the Republicans to pass THE SAVE AMERICA ACT,” he wrote.

He called for bundling the SAVE America Act with DHS funding:

This is far more important than anything we do in the Senate, and that includes giving those same terrible people, the Democrats (who are responsible for this mess!), a five billion dollar cut in funding for ICE, a deal that, even disguised as something else, is unacceptable to me and the American people – UNLESS it doesn’t include their approval of voter ID (with photo!), citizenship to vote, no mail-in voting (with exceptions), all paper ballots, no men present. Women’s sports and no transgender MUSE of our precious children. Put it all together and also let Leader Thune clearly identify the few “Republicans” who vote against AMERICA. They will never be elected again! In other words, roll it all into one and VOTE!!! Kill the filibuster and stay in Washington for Easter, if necessary.

Thune’s proposal comes as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) wait times at airports have increased sharply due to the DHS shutdown.