Trump to declare ’emergency’ over Mexico border wall

US President Donald Trump is to declare a national emergency to fund his planned border wall with Mexico, the White House has said.

He will sign a border security bill to avert a government shutdown – but also act to bypass Congress and use military funds for the wall, a statement said.

Senior Democrats have responded by accusing him of committing a “gross abuse of power” and a “lawless act”.

Building the wall was a key election promise by Trump.

But as president he has so far been unable to get the necessary funding to advance it.

Congress passed the bill – which does not meet Trump’s demands for wall funding – on Thursday. It now has to be signed by Trump to become law. (BBC)