Washington Examiner columnist Guy Benson said Democrats’ “internal politics” are to blame for the partial government shutdown, arguing that Democrats have a desire to “posture” opposition to President Donald Trump and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“We had the record-breaking government shutdown last year and now another new government shutdown thanks to Democrats this year because of their internal politics,” Benson said on Fox Business’s The Evening Edit. “Even if it’s largely symbolic, this is what the Democrats are up to.”
However, Benson called out Republicans for not putting their foot down.
“Both chambers left town, that gives an opening to the Democrats, who are responsible for the shutdown, to say ‘Look, the Republicans can’t agree with each other so it’s their fault,’” Benson said.
“That narrative could have been avoided if the Republicans, yes, gritted their teeth. I know it’s not fun, but it’s the job to stay here,” he continued.
Benson emphasized that Republicans should have forced the issue and stayed in Washington.
He called out Democrats for refusing to fund the Department of Homeland Security, saying they are opposed to immigration enforcement “writ large.”
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“It’s not just ICE, and you’re right, ICE has a very important job to do,” Benson said. “We have laws that need to be enforced. It’s made a lot harder by sanctuary politicians who help empower and protect these criminal illegal immigrants, which is crazy.
“But they’re also, the Democrats, objected to Border Patrol funding right now down at the southern border. What is that about?”