Byron Donalds, who is on Trump’s short list of vice presidents, says Congress should cut government funding ‘if the border is not secure’

Politics

Republican Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida says he won’t vote for government funding “if the border isn’t secure.”

Donalds said it Meet the press Sunday that there is no point in funding the government if it can’t even do its primary job of protecting America’s borders, especially the U.S.-Mexico border.

It is worth noting that Donalds is on Donald Trump’s list for vice presidential candidate.

Biden created this border crisis through over 64 actions. He could finish them TOMORROW.

290 DAYS AGO @HouseGOP HR 2 PASSED – the most robust border bill to pass either house of Congress – Senators ignored us.

Don’t be fooled that their failed deal would have made the crisis worse. pic.twitter.com/VYHka7bHAe

– Congressman Byron Donalds (@RepDonaldsPress) February 25, 2024

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“The government’s first task is to ensure border security”

Donalds point about government funding and what government should prioritize was simple, but absolutely true.

AOL.com reports: “Donalds pushed back at NBC’s Kristen Welker over his willingness to shut down the government over border security concerns. When asked if he was willing to shut down the government, he instead said that President Biden “is willing to shut down.” [it] on border security,’ although Biden has never indicated that he is willing to shut down the government once the funding runs out.”

“Welker continued to press Donalds on the topic, but the Florida Republican said he is willing to support government funding as long as the border is secure,” AOL noted.

The story continued:

“I am willing to fund the government as long as our border is secure. The government’s first task is to ensure border security. Any company that provides a service, if they don’t give you the service, do you give them money? He said. “The answer is no. Kristen, don’t even do it.

“The government has a responsibility. Our cities are invaded. Our schools are invaded. Our shelters are overrun. And Joe Biden allows the disaster to continue,” she added.

Unfortunately for Donalds, he has to contend with the Republican Senate. Republican leader McConnell has already told House Speaker Mike Johnson to “forget” about the border, because the foreign aid bill sending tens of billions of dollars to Ukraine and Israel is “the only game in town.”

WATCH: Rep. @ByronDonalds (R-Fla.) says he will not vote to fund the government “if the border is not secure.”

Just days away from a potential shutdown, he adds: “Everything I vote for has to keep our border safe, and the president should agree to that.” pic.twitter.com/oNU3ip7ijd

— Meet The Press (@MeetThePress) February 26, 2024

Donalds is on Trump’s list for a running mate

Donald Trump recently revealed that he has a short list of who he is considering as his campaign’s vice presidential candidate.

There were, among others, Tom Scott, Vivek Ramaswamy and… Byron Donalds.

While Donalds says no real meetings or discussions have taken place between him and Trump’s team, he has long been an outspoken Trump supporter.

Donalds also said the following on Friday after his speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC):

“I want to do everything to win back the White House,” Donalds told the New York Post. “It’s about implementing policies that work for the country and that work for everyone.”