Watch CBS News

Trump calls DACA agreement from bipartisan group of senators "a big step backwards"

DACA deal in jeopardy?
Is DACA deal in jeopardy after Trump's "sh*thole countries" comment? 05:00

President Trump on Friday expressed opposition to the "agreement in principle" struck by a bipartisan group of senators to protect so-called "Dreamers" and to enhance border security.

In a series of tweets, Mr. Trump said that it is a "big step backwards" and that his proposed wall along the U.S.-Mexico border was "not properly funded."

The president reiterated that he wants a merit-based immigration system.

Mr. Trump then suggested that Democrats would be blamed for a government shutdown over the wall. Congress must pass new government spending by next Friday.

On Thursday afternoon, a group of GOP and Democratic senators said that they had reached a deal while other lawmakers rejected their agreement.

"President Trump called on Congress to solve the DACA challenge," said a joint statement released by Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina; Dick Durbin, D-Illinois; Jeff Flake, R-Arizona; Michael Bennet, D-Colorado; and Bob Menendez, D-New Jersey. "We have been working for four months and have reached an agreement in principle that addresses border security, the diversity visa lottery, chain migration/family reunification, and the Dream Act—the areas outlined by the president. We are now working to build support for that deal in Congress."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.