Story perspectives

Trump Signals DHS Funding Compromise, Separates ICE Funding

3/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump signaled a compromise with Senate Republicans on DHS funding, after a White House meeting, possibly separating ICE funding.
This marks a shift from his prior demand to link DHS funding to the SAVE America Act.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune proposed funding DHS without ICE, offering an alternate path.
Critics say the SAVE America Act remains unlikely to pass, with low odds.

History

Historical Context

In 2018, President Donald Trump struggled to secure $5.7 billion for a U.S.-Mexico border wall amid intense immigration debates. The Senate Majority Leader, John Thune, proposed a budget that excluded funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), reflecting deepening divisions within the Republican Party. This standoff contributed to a government shutdown from December 2018 to January 2019, impacting approximately 800,000 federal employees.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump signaled a compromise with Senate Republicans on DHS funding, after a White House meeting, possibly separating ICE funding.
This marks a shift from his prior demand to link DHS funding to the SAVE America Act.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune proposed funding DHS without ICE, offering an alternate path.
Critics say the SAVE America Act remains unlikely to pass, with low odds.

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