And many Senate Republicans are uneasy about the White House’s notion of bypassing Congress and building the wall under the aegis of a state of emergency on the border.

Behind the scenes: Mr. Trump has told people close to him that he views the threat of declaring such an emergency as his last remaining leverage in the wall fight. But during a White House meeting last week , Senator Mitch McConnell, the majority leader, warned him that doing so would almost certainly prompt a rebellion within the Republican Party — and very possibly a successful vote in Congress to overrule him.

Analysis: Mr. Trump has tried to intimidate foreign allies and Democrats. But few outside the Republican Party are still afraid, our reporters write. The German chancellor, Angela Merkel, has indicated to people that she does not consider Mr. Trump a serious person.

Other Washington news: Mr. Trump’s inaugural committee was ordered on Monday to turn over documents about its donors, finances and activities to federal prosecutors in Manhattan .