President Trump vowed Friday to cut off aid to Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador, saying those countries take advantage of the U.S. and are complicit in illegal immigration.

He made the foreign aid an issue amid a showdown with Democratic lawmakers over border security spending that has resulted in a partial government shutdown, now in its seventh day.

“Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador are doing nothing for the United States but taking our money,” the president tweeted.

The three Central American countries combined are due to receive more than $180 million in U.S. aid in 2019.

…..Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador are doing nothing for the United States but taking our money. Word is that a new Caravan is forming in Honduras and they are doing nothing about it. We will be cutting off all aid to these 3 countries - taking advantage of U.S. for years! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 28, 2018



The threat was prompted by reports of a new U.S.-bound migrant caravan forming in Honduras.

“Word is that a new Caravan is forming in Honduras and they are doing nothing about it. We will be cutting off all aid to these 3 countries - taking advantage of U.S. for years!” Mr. Trump said.

The president has made similar threats previously about cutting off aid.

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