Stage Three: Critique an editorial or commentary from a national newspaper

January 25^th, 2017, the New York Times published an article titled “Trump Orders aWall Built, but Congress Holds the Checkbook” the author Matt Apuzo discusses Trump’s plans to build a wall in the Mexico border. As the titles states, Congress plays a humongous role when taking a decision of such matters like building a wall that it will cost more than $20 billion. Mr. President Trump has ordered new policies on border security but it will take more than a pen. The author states that even if congress reject Trump’s order he will be able to get funds from the Government by two laws, the Economy Act of 1932 and the Feed and Forage Act. In comparasion President George Bush started the First Gulf War under this last act.

Matt Apuzo is targeting US citizens and members of the Congress because the author gives some ways President Trump can get the funds to build a wall without Congress’ approval. Also, the US citizens and mainly people who voted for him because they want to know how Trump is going to accomplish his proposals during his campaign.

 Matt Apuzzo is a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter based in Washington. He has covered law enforcement and security matters for more than a decade and is the co-author of the book "Enemies Within." A graduate of Colby College, he joined The New York Times in 2014 after 11 years with The Associated Press. He teaches journalism at Georgetown University and once successfully argued a motion from the audience in federal court. The author’s background demonstrates that he is credible because of his experience in The Associated Press and at Georgetown University.

The author’s arguments seem to be questionable because the laws President Trump can use to get funds are specifically for certain uses like the feed and Forage act which states that allows the Military to spend extra money to protect national security. However, many in congress will oppose to the idea of Building a wall is needed for national security. In conclusion, I do not agree with the author because I think Trump will not be able to get funds from a third party nor from his pocket but there is a chance congress may accept.