Why Didn't Trump Attempt to Secure Funding for the Border Wall When Republicans Controlled Congress?

Throughout his tenure as president, Donald Trump repeatedly emphasized the construction of a border wall between the United States and Mexico. However, despite the Republican Party's majority control over both Houses of Congress, this funding request went unfulfilled. In retrospect, several factors contribute to why this happened.

Excessive Cost and Political Infeasibility

One of the primary reasons Trump failed to secure funding for his border wall was the sheer cost associated with the project. Detractors argued that it was an incredibly expensive proposition that would drain federal funds without yielding substantial benefits. Additionally, Trump's own party members, many of whom were skeptical of the wall's efficacy, were hesitant to allocate such a significant amount of money to it. This political divide within the Republican ranks made it challenging for Trump to garner the necessary support for his initiative.

The Use of Bibles as a Substitute for Bricks

A somewhat humorous and less serious reason given was the idea that Trump intended to use unsold bibles to construct the wall. While this approach might save costs in the short term, it lacks practicality and does not address the structural and security concerns associated with border walls.

Ineffectiveness and Government Shutdown

More significantly, several instances of ineffectiveness and political mismanagement further underscored the futility of the border wall. For example, the government shutdown of 2018, which lasted 35 days, demonstrated that even when Republicans controlled both chambers, they were not eager to pass any measures that could be exploited as political leverage, such as the border wall. This period revealed that the wall was not a top priority and that other issues, like government funding, were more pressing.

Political Posturing versus Practicality

Republicans' continued failure to pass substantive border legislation, despite having the power to do so, points to a lack of genuine commitment to addressing the issue. Critics argue that the Democrats were not the only party opposed to the wall; Republicans were also wary of its potential political liabilities. The wall often served as a tool for political theater rather than a practical solution to immigration policy.

Embezzlement and Political Pardons

Add to these the controversial aspects of the border wall's funding. There were reports that funds intended for the wall might have ended up in the pockets of political figures, including Steve Bannon. The pardoning of Bannon for embezzlement, while controversial, also raised questions about the integrity of the funding process and the overall effectiveness of the Republican leadership in managing public funds.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the failure to secure funding for the border wall when Republicans held both Houses of Congress was a result of political infeasibility, cost concerns, and a lack of genuine commitment to solving the immigration problem. These factors combined to undermine the practicality and political viability of Trump's wall initiative, leading to its eventual downfall.