Trump warns of government shutdown next month over border security

PALM BEACH, Fla. - US President Donald Trump warned on Thursday there could be a government shutdown next month over security on the border with Mexico, suggesting he could hold up a funding deal if no more money is provided for a wall between the two countries.

"Could there be a shut down? There certainly could and it will be about border security, of which the wall is a part," Trump told reporters in Palm Beach, Florida.

The US Congress faces a deadline next month to fund parts of the federal government and a possible showdown over money for Trump's proposed border wall.

Having won control of the House in midterm elections, Democrats have said they will be even less motivated than before to meet Trump's wall demands.

Trump also said he had given the military the authorization to use lethal force if necessary on the border with Mexico.

"If they have to they are going to use lethal force. I've given the OK - I hope they don't have to."

Trump also warned that the United States could close the whole border with Mexico for a period of time "if we find that it gets to a level where we are going to lose control or our people are going to start getting hurt."

This would mean "Mexico will not be able to sell their cars into the United States," added Trump, who has complained about the number of cars US manufacturers produce in Mexico.