President Trump made a surprise appearance in the White House briefing room Thursday for the first time since becoming president, but took no questions from reporters.
In his first public comments since Democrats and Nancy Pelosi took control of the House, the President reiterated his case for the need for a border wall and inviting border patrol union representatives to the podium to do the same. The president said of the wall he wants to fund, "You can call it a wall, you can call it a barrier, whatever you want, but people want it. I have never had so much support."
The president's appearance took reporters in the White House by surprise, as they were informed merely by an overheard announcement that White House press secretary would hold a briefing in five minutes. White House press secretary Sarah Sander appeared later than originally said, saying she had a surprise guest before introducing Trump himself to the briefing room. The President stated he had a meeting with the Border Patrol representatives, and thought it would be a good time to speak with reporters.
The White House has formally invited congressional leaders to the White House to continue shutdown negotiations on Friday.
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