US President Donald Trump says he would have "no problem" with a potential government shutdown, saying at a news conference that "it's time we have border security."
Trump issued his second shutdown threat during a joint news conference with Italy's leader on Monday (this morning NZT).
The president tweeted over the weekend that he would be willing to shut down the federal government if Democrats don't support a US$25b plan to boost border security and fund his signature border wall.
Mr Trump said "I'll always leave room for negotiation," but that "I would certainly be willing to close it down to get it done".
The potential shutdown is creating anxieties among Republicans who are hoping to maintain control of Congress in the fall midterm elections.
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