*Administration of Donald J. Trump, 2019 *

**Remarks in an Exchange With Reporters Upon Arrival at the United States Capitol To Attend a Senate Republican Policy Lunch **

*January 9, 2019 *

[*The President spoke at the steps on the East Front of the Capitol.*]* *

*Republican Party Support of the President/Border Security *

*Q. *Mr. President, are you losing Republican support? Are you losing Republican support, Mr. President?

*The President.* No, we have great Republican support, as you know.

*Q. *Can you keep Republicans behind you in this fight?

*The President.* We have great Republican support, as you know. You know, you're just making that up. But we have tremendous Republican support. I don't think the Democrats have great support, because they all know we need border security. We need to have people stop being killed at our border. And the Democrats are losing a lot of support.

Last night was a big victory for Republicans, but it was really a big victory for America, for our country. The Democrats have lost support. There is tremendous Republican support—unwavering—as you probably know. Thank you.

*Q.* Mr. President——

*Q.* If there's a crisis, why not declare a national emergency? Why not declare a national emergency if there's a crisis on the border?

[*At this point, the President entered the Capitol, where, in the Ohio Clock Corridor, he resumed his exchange with reporters as follows*.]

*Border Security/Federal Government Shutdown *

*Q. *Mr. President, how much longer can this shutdown last? Mr. President, how much longer can this shutdown last?

*The President.* We need border security. We will have border security. Tremendous Republican support. And I think we're going to win. But we need——

*Q. *What's your message to Republicans?

*The President.* Listen, we need border security. Very simple.

*Q. *How long do plan to let the shutdown last, Mr. President?

*The President.* Whatever it takes.

*Q. *Mr. President, Leader Schumer and Speaker Pelosi are saying that the main factor of the crisis is that they believe you are lying about the border. Are you?

*The President.* Well, what you should do is take a look at last night and see the results this morning. The people know we need border security. Thank you very much.

*Q.* Are you worried about Republican defections?

*Q. *[*Inaudible*]—and are you confident you are not losing their support?* *NOTE: The President spoke at approximately 1:05 p.m.

*Categories:* Interviews With the News Media : : Exchanges with reporters :: U.S. Capitol*.*

*Locations:* Washington, DC.* *

*Subjects:* Congress : Members, meetings with President; Defense and national security : Border security; Government organization and employees : Funding lapse and partial furlough.

*DCPD Number:* DCPD201900012.