You Can’t Build Your Stupid Wall: MA Politicians Respond To Trump

BEACON HILL — Members of Congress representing Massachusetts are pushing back against President Donald Trump’s declaration of a national emergency to fund the construction of a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Trump held a special press conference Friday to declare a National Emergency in an effort to fund a border wall he's long been advocating for. Democrats, like Rep. Jim McGovern argue that's unconstitutional and suggest they might be taking him to court over this.

"Here's the part of the constitution that says you can't build your stupid wall," he tweeted, and then circled the corresponding text in Article 1 section 9 clause 7 of the Constitution:

"No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time."

McGovern, of Worcester, made it clear ahead of the president's announcement what he planned to do.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who lives in Cambridge, and presidential candidate called the president's announcement a "temper tantrum."

Here's what Congressman Seth Moulton, of Salem, had to say:

"No matter what Trump says, a border wall isn't going to stop fentanyl from coming into our country," said Sen. Ed Markey, of Malden, pointing to technology and scanners as ways that would.

Sen. Lori Trahan, of Lowell, called the emergency "unacceptable."

McGovern's reaction got retweeted 641 times, including by Rep. Ayanna Pressley, who later released a statement.

"The occupant of the White House is dangerous. Dangerous to our economy, to our democracy, and to our humanity. Checks and balances were put in place specifically to prevent the type of self-serving, short-sighted actions this Administration has taken. This fake national emergency declaration is an abuse of power and does nothing to make our country safer.

Mr. Trump, we’ll see you in court," she said.

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Trump Declares National Emergency, Pledges $8B For Border

Photo by Jenna Fisher/Patch Staff