Trump cancels Davos visit over gov't shutdown

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday canceled a planned trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, citing the ongoing government shutdown.

"Because of the Democrats intransigence on Border Security and the great importance of Safety for our Nation, I am respectfully cancelling my very important trip to Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum," Trump said on Twitter, apologizing to the hosts for his absence.

Trump attended the summit last year. This year's forum is slated to begin Jan. 22.

Trump is continuing to demand Democrats approve $5.7 billion in funding for his separation barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border, as many federal agencies are either shuttered or have limited their operations due to a lapse in funding that began Dec. 22.

Democrats, who now control the House of Representatives, have staunchly refused Trump's calls, arguing a wall is ineffective and excessively costly.

Neither side has backed down, and Trump has worked with the backing of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to stymy legislation to reopen the government that does not include funding for his wall.

Roughly 800,000 federal workers have either been placed on furlough, or are being required to work without pay.

Already into its 20th day, the shutdown is set to shatter the 21-day record set in 1995, becoming the longest in U.S. history if it continues into Saturday.