That is what led to the shutdown crisis, with Democrats trying to use their leverage over spending to get an acceptable resolution. But then he quickly reversed course upon consultation with the hard-line advisers on immigration who have the president’s ear once Democrats depart. Both Republicans and Democrats say Mr. Trump’s endorsement of any immigration deal is essential, since it is the only way a sufficient number of House Republicans could be enticed to vote for it under cover of Mr. Trump’s backing. And some on Capitol Hill believe that Speaker Paul D. Ryan’s leadership post would be in jeopardy if he pushed through an immigration bill that most House Republicans opposed. If Democrats did, Republicans figured they would have a strong message to counter with by attacking Democrats as willing to shortchange Americans to help those who entered the country illegally.

Source: New York Times January 22, 2018 00:56 UTC