Thirteen months later, Trump has appeared afraid of looking weak if he does declare a national emergency to respond to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. He’s resisted a growing chorus of pleas from local leaders, as well as congressional Democrats, to declare a national emergency. Trump remained noncommittal when asked Thursday in the Oval Office whether he will declare a national emergency. “We need him to do it and do it now.”Part of Trump’s hesitation to declare a national emergency has seemed to be about saving face. But an array of new restrictions imposed by the Trump administration is driving border-crossers to take more risks, migrant advocates say."

Source: Washington Post March 13, 2020 13:41 UTC