During Trump's campaign, one of the main things he continuously brought up was how he was going to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexican border, to help deal with illegal immigrants, and he emphasized how Mexico would be paying for the wall. People who were upset with illegal immigrants egged him on. Thus, five days into Trump’s presidency, he had already signed an executive order to mandate the construction of a wall between Mexico and America. Some were happy, but many others were extremely upset with his decision to begin its construction and immediately began protesting.
However, despite what Trump has said in the past, it looks like Mexico will not be paying for the wall. A short while ago, Trump tweeted that if the Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto was unwilling to agree to pay for his precious wall, then the two leaders would not be meeting on January 31st as scheduled; Peña Nieto responded by announcing that he would be cancelling the meeting. The cancellation of the meeting was alarming because it breaks the longstanding tradition that incoming U.S. presidents meet with their counterparts from Mexico and Canada shortly after assuming office. Trump continues to insist that Mexico will pay for his border wall, but Mexican leaders have made it clear that they will not be doing so. But if Mexico isn't paying for the wall, then who is?
Unfortunately, it seems like Americans will be paying for it through federal funds, also known as tax dollars. Whether you voted for him or not, and whether you agree with him or not, your taxes will help pay for the construction of the wall.
In a recent interview, Republican McCain even said that he does not agree with the president on this front. McCain was asked if taxpayers would be left to foot the bill for the wall if it's built, which he responded by saying: “Taxpayers are paying a lot of money right now. One of the biggest problems we have is the enforcement of existing law.” Although it is just one idea that taxpayers will be paying for the wall, it increasingly is starting to look like the most viable option.
Many are skeptical of the wall. From history, we have seen what havoc building walls can create. Just think back to the misery of the Berlin Wall. A few days ago, Pope Francis tweeted some inspiring words that we should all keep in mind, whether one is religious or not. Instead of trying to divide people, it would be best to work problems out despite their difficulties, and try "not to build walls but bridges."
