DNC Chair Tom Perez released the following statement after President Trump said he will declare a national emergency in order to build his border wall without congressional approval:

“This is a gross abuse of power, a waste of taxpayer dollars, a danger to our national security, and a pointless distraction from the issues that matter most to working families. Let’s be clear: there is no national emergency. Trump is treating taxpayer money like his personal slush fund, and it’s only going to make us less safe, less secure, and less stable as a nation.

“This temper tantrum has gone on for far too long and wreaked havoc on far too many lives. Mitch McConnell and the rest of Trump’s enablers need to wake up, hold Trump accountable, and tell him enough is enough. The American people will not stand for this. And Republicans will have hell to pay on Election Day.”