Despite Warnings From GOP Leaders, Trump Continues Shutdown Threats

Congressional Republicans keep trying to downplay the possibility of a government shutdown this fall, just weeks ahead of midterm elections, even as President Trump returns again and again to that very scenario.

"I don't care what the political ramifications are," tweeted Trump on Tuesday, "our immigration and border security have been a complete and total disaster for decades, and there is no way that the Democrats will allow it to be fixed without a Government Shutdown..."

Trump has repeatedly said this week he would force the government to shut down if Democrats do not agree to significant increases in border spending, including money to build a wall along the southern border with Mexico, along with changes to the legal immigration system.

Capitol Hill Republicans fear a government shutdown weeks before Election Day could cost them dearly with voters in what's already expected to be a rough midterm for the governing party, a view the White House rejects.

"There's much more at stake here than political fallout. This is about protecting a country and protecting a nation," said deputy White House press secretary Hogan Gidley to reporters aboard Air Force One as Trump traveled to Florida.