“On the 12th (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump again blamed the opposition Democratic Party for the federal government shutdown, which has continued for 43 days, claiming they must pay the rightful price.”
“President Trump stated on his social media network, Truth Social, that ‘The Democrats have inflicted a $1.5 trillion (approximately 2,200 trillion won) loss on our country through the dangerously malicious act of shutting down the state.'”
“Trump criticized the Democrats for doing anything to divert attention from the shutdown situation, claiming they have reopened the Epstein scam. He added, ‘Only very bad or stupid Republicans would fall for this trap.'”
“On this day, the U.S. House Democrats released emails alleging that President Donald Trump knew about the crimes of child exploiter Jeffrey Epstein. The Epstein emails claim that Trump was aware of Epstein’s crimes and had spent hours with a victim at Epstein’s home before 2011.”
“President Trump stated, ‘We should not divert attention with Epstein or anything else,’ emphasizing that related Republicans should be devoted solely to reopening the country and repairing the massive damage caused by the Democrats.”
“The White House announced that if the interim budget to end the shutdown passes the House, President Trump is expected to sign it tonight.”
“White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt mentioned in a press briefing, ‘President Trump looks forward to finally ending this destructive Democratic shutdown through his signature,’ adding, ‘We hope the signing ceremony will take place late tonight.'”
“A package spending bill, including an interim federal government budget through January 30th, was passed in the Senate on the 10th, and a House vote is scheduled for this afternoon. If the budget is approved in the House, it will officially take effect after President Trump’s signature.”
“(Photo = Yonhap News)”