In the wake of a contentious Oval Office exchange with President Trump in full view of the press this morning, House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi mocked his constant calls for a border wall, saying that it stems from what she characterized as insecurities about his “manhood.”
“It’s like a manhood thing for him. As if manhood could ever be associated with him. This wall thing,” Pelosi told members of the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee in a closed-door meeting, according to The Hill.
Pelosi also relished in the fact that Trump said he would “proudly” take ownership for a government shutdown — something Democratic leaders were quick to seize on in a press conference following the extraordinary, televised meeting.
“But the fact is we did get him to say, to fully own that the shutdown was his,” Pelosi said, according to two sources inside the room. “That was an accomplishment.”
https://twitter.com/HoarseWisperer/status/1072541917638987776
The confrontation, in which Vice President Mike Pence and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer were also present, came as lawmakers try to avoid a partial government shutdown on December 21. As The Hill points out, Democratic leaders will include $1.6 billion for border security in the funding bill, but Trump wants the bill to include another $5 billion for his U.S.-Mexico border wall.
Pelosi reportedly described this morning’s Oval Office meeting as “wild.”
“It goes to show you: You get into a tickle contest with a skunk, you get tinkle all over you,” Pelosi said according to sources present for the meeting.
Pelosi and Schumer offered to pass a continuing resolution that would extend current funding for border security, but Trump repeatedly insisted on getting more funding for the wall and threatened to shut down the government if he doesn’t get it.
“I am proud to shut down the government for border security,” Trump said.
“I will take the mantle,” the president added. “I will be the one to shut it down, I’m not going to blame you for it.”
Watch the full Oval Office exchange below, via The Washington Post:
Featured image via screen grab
