A host of former senior US officials are to release a joint statement, challenging President Donald Trump’s declaration of a national emergency on the US southern border.
The bipartisan group, which gathers as many as 58 former national security officials, is to issue the statement on Monday, The Washington Post reported, citing a copy.
The undersigned include former secretary of state Madeleine Albright, and former defense secretaries Chuck Hagel and Leon Panetta.
Trump declared the emergency on February 15 to bypass congressional approval and secure funding for the construction of a wall along the US-Mexico border, which he claims prevents entry into the country of potential “criminals.”
The proclamation followed a 35-day partial government shutdown — the longest in the US’ history — which came after Congress refused to approve the $5.7 billion Trump needs for the wall.
Democrats say the wall is unnecessary and accuse Trump…