'We ARE building it' Trump threatens to 'SHUT DOWN' Government to build Mexico wall
Speaking to supporters at a rally in Phoenix, Arizona, the underfire American President once again came out fighting. He told supporters at a "Make America Great Again" rally that opposition Democrats were being "obstructionist".
During the 80-minute speech, he also took aim at the media, blaming them for giving far right groups "a platform".
Mr Trump wants Congress to finance his controversial plan to build a "big, beautiful" wall along the United States' border with Mexico to keep out illegal immigrants.
But Republicans will need the support of Democrats to secure funding for the wall in a government spending bill, which they are unlikely to get.
In his speech, Mr Trump said the Democrats were "putting all of America's safety at risk" by opposing the wall. He said immigration officers who worked in the area said it was "vital" to stem the flow of illegal immigrants.
And he warned that if it came to it, he would risk a government shutdown - which is what happens when legislation funding the federal government cannot be passed by Congress and non-essential services stop. This will happen on 1 October if a bill cannot be agreed.
Mr Trump said: "Now the obstructionist Democrats would like us not to do it, but believe me if we have to close down our government, we are building that wall. He added that "the American people voted for immigration control".
There was further controversy as Mr Trump chose to leave out the heavily-condemned "many sides" part of his initial comments on the fatal violence at a far-right led demonstration in Charlottesville, as he blasted the "dishonest media" to supporters at an Arizona rally.
Prime Minister Theresa May joined people from across the political spectrum who criticised the US president's first remarks for failing to condemn fascists after the clashes in the Virginian city.
During a tirade against the "very dishonest media" to cheering supporters on Tuesday night, Mr Trump recounted the infamous statement, which he produced from his jacket pocket.
He told the crowd: "We condemn in the strongest possible terms this egregious display of hatred, bigotry and violence. But he fell short of the next three words in the statement - "on many sides" - for which he was accused of equating counter-protesters with neo-Nazis and white supremacists.
The Republican only bowed to pressure and criticised the hate groups, including the KKK, by name two days after the August 12 violence during which Heather Heyer, 32, was killed when a car ploughed into anti-fascist protesters.
After Mr Trump's initial comments, Mrs May said: "I see no equivalence between those who propound fascist views and those who oppose them.
"I think it is important for all those in positions of responsibility to condemn far-right views wherever we hear them." Among other British critics was Communities Secretary Sajid Javid, who tweeted: "Neo-Nazis: bad, Anti-Nazis: good, I learned that as a child.
It was pretty obvious." Mr Trump's latest speech was aimed at buoying core support after backtracking on his pre-election calls for the demise of Afghanistan war on Monday, when he announced he would extend the battle.
But trouble broke out outside the convention centre following a day of largely peaceful protest.
Police, who had been on high alert at the first political rally since the Charlottesville attack, fired pepper spray to disperse a crowd after bottles and rocks were thrown.
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