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Trump softens a bit on border shutdown threat

President Trump appears to be softening, just a little bit, his threat to shut down the border with Mexico.

Trump on Tuesday said he was happy with steps taken by Mexico to slow the flow of illegal immigrants into the U.S. But he still held open the possibility of a shutdown, saying “security is more important to me than trade.” Trump said he would make a final decision in “a few days”.

Meanwhile, Trump economic advisor Larry Kudlow told CNBC the administration was exploring whether it could permit trucks carrying freight to cross the border if it were to be closed.

“We are watching it and looking for ways to allow the freight passage—some people call it truck roads—and there are ways you can do that which would ameliorate the breakdown in supply chains,” Kudlow said.

The president’s border shutdown threat has raised concerns among ag groups and other business interests.