Trump refuses to budge on DHS funding as shutdown threat mounts

WASHINGTON, DC: Trump struck a firm line on government funding during a White House press conference on Friday, February 13, before departing for Fort Bragg, signaling little willingness to make concessions as negotiations over Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding remain stalled on Capitol Hill.

Asked whether he expected to strike a deal with Democrats to avert a potential DHS shutdown, Trump offered a measured reply. “We’ll see what happens,” he said, before stressing that federal law enforcement operations must not be disrupted.

“We always have to protect our law enforcement. It’s very important,” the president added, framing the funding fight as directly tied to national security and public safety.

Protecting law enforcement and deportation efforts

Trump pointed to the work of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Border Patrol and local police, saying the agencies have removed “hundreds of thousands of criminals” from the country. He argued that Democratic opposition to the current funding structure risks slowing deportation operations.

“They are forcing a shutdown because they want to stop the deportations,” Trump said, maintaining that his administration’s priority is to ensure officers and agents have the resources to continue enforcement and border security missions.

The president said he intends to stand behind personnel “who are protecting us,” describing DHS funding as essential to ongoing removals and crime prevention efforts.

National crime numbers at historic lows

During the briefing, Trump also cited what he described as historically low crime statistics, linking the figures to federal and local law enforcement activity.

“It was just announced our crime numbers are the best in 125 years,” he told reporters.

He said murder rates and other categories of crime have declined, crediting DHS coordination and policing efforts. “They’ve done a great job,” Trump said, reiterating that maintaining support for these agencies remains central to his domestic policy agenda.

Inflation back on track after CPI report

The president then shifted to the economy, referencing the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report. Trump said inflation has cooled and described the current trend as stabilizing after what he called historically high pressures in prior years.

“The inflation numbers that just announced, as you know, are way down, and we have it back on track,” he said.

Trump characterized the environment as “very modest inflation,” arguing that the data reflects broader economic improvement under his administration.

No compromise on essential security funding

As lawmakers race toward a shutdown deadline, Trump signaled that any agreement must preserve DHS operations without restrictions on enforcement.

He repeatedly emphasized that border agents, ICE officers and police should not be affected by budget disputes.

“I am here to PROTECT law enforcement,” Trump said, listing federal and local agencies by name.

While he left the door open to negotiations, the president made clear that continued funding for security and immigration enforcement remains his bottom line as talks continue in Washington.