The bottom line: The only thing everyone agreed on was that Trump is so far dug in that there’s little if any chance he’ll reopen the government without a concession from Democrats. “Normally at this time [in a shutdown], we know what the exit is and we’re just waiting for the clear moment,” said a Republican member who is in close touch with Trump. “But there isn’t a clear path to an exit.”
Behind the scenes: Senior administration officials have discussed inviting rank-and-file Democrats to the White House, hoping they may be willing to negotiate over funding for a barrier, according to two sources privy to the private discussions. They’re planning to target freshman Democratic House members from districts Trump won in 2016.
Republican officials involved conceded to me that it’s a stretch to imagine the White House can break Nancy Pelosi’s strong command of her caucus. But administration officials tell me they’re going to try.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member