Level 1:
Trump was a President. He is talking about Texas. Texas has a big river. People cross it to get into America. Texas has sharp wire along the river. Some people want to cut it. But, the boss of Texas, Mr. Abbott, says “No!” He wants more sharp wire. Trump says other states should help Texas.
Trump says many people are coming to America without permission. He says it’s a big problem. We need to stop it, Trump says. But he is not the boss anymore. So, he’s just talking.
Level 2:
Former President Donald Trump has stepped into border issues with a piece of advice - send troops to Texas. Texas is facing concerns about security along its border, the Rio Grande. In bid to stop people entering the country illegally, Texas has put up razor wire along the river. While some want to cut it down, Texas Governor Greg Abbott refuses, insisting on adding more.
Trump echoes Abbott’s sentiment, calling for states to support Texas by sending their National Guard to strengthen the border. He argues that this is a vital step in preventing illegal entry into the country. Yet, since Trump no longer holds office, his appeal could be seen as a rallying cry rather than an official command.
Full Story:
Former President Donald Trump has found a new cause to champion. He’s wading into the mounting dispute over razor wire lining the Rio Grande, Texas’ border. Taking a firm stance on border security, Trump is calling for states to deploy National Guard members to Texas.
”We encourage all willing States to deploy their guards to Texas to prevent the entry of illegal immigrants and to remove them back across the Border,” Trump declared in a statement on Thursday. The contentious issue came to a head this week when the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Border Patrol agents cutting wire placed along the border by the Texas National Guard. Texas Governor Greg Abbott swung back, challenging the ruling.
Abbott asserts that the Constitution bestows the state with the right to protect itself against what he describes as an “invasion.” Undeterred by the ruling, he’s vowed to dig his heels in and increase the amount of razor wire.
Trump’s campaign in support of Texas goes a step further, accusing President Biden of “aiding and abetting a massive invasion of illegal migrants,” as reported by The Hill. “In the face of this national security, public safety, and public health catastrophe, Texas has rightly invoked the invasion clause of the Constitution, and must be given full support to repel the invasion,” Trump penned in his statement.
Yet, as Axios aptly points out, since Trump is no longer at the helm, his exhortations lack official weight. Instead, they serve as a hint of the storm that may be brewing in the lead-up to the general election campaign.
Questions:
Question: What advice did former President Trump give amid border tensions in Texas?
Answer: Former President Trump advised states to deploy their National Guard members to Texas to help secure the border and prevent illegal entry into the country.
Question: What position does Texas Governor Greg Abbott take on the border issue?
Answer: Texas Governor Greg Abbott supports enhancing border security by expanding the razor wire along the border. He argues that the Constitution gives the state the right to defend itself against what he describes as an “invasion.”
Question: How did Trump critique President Biden’s stance on border control?
Answer: Trump accused President Biden of “aiding and abetting a massive invasion of illegal migrants,” implying that Biden’s policies and actions were enabling illegal immigration.
Question: What is the significance of Trump’s call for troop deployment to Texas?
Answer: Trump’s call signals the potential ramping up of tensions and debates around border security in the run-up to the future general elections.
Fill in the blanks:
exhortations, helm, champion, dig his heels in, wading into, rallying cry, at the helm, firm stance, illegal migrants, border patrol
Former President Donald Trump has found a new cause to ________.
He’s ________ the mounting dispute over razor wire lining the Rio Grande, Texas’ border.
Taking a ________ on border security, Trump is calling for states to deploy National Guard members to Texas.
Undeterred by the ruling, he’s vowed to ________ and increase the amount of razor wire.
Yet, as Axios aptly points out, since Trump is no longer ________, his ________ lack official weight.
Instead, they serve as a hint of the storm that may be brewing in the lead-up to the general election campaign.
Vocabulary:
Champion - (verb/noun) to defend, support, or fight for a cause or person.
Rallying cry - (noun) a phrase or statement that is used to encourage people to support a particular cause or leader.
Wading into - (verb) to become involved in a difficult situation or argument.
Firm stance - (phrase) a strong, determined, or unwavering position on a particular issue.
Dig one’s heels in - (phrase) to refuse to change one’s mind or to stop doing something.
Helm - (noun) a position of leadership or control.
Exhortations - (noun) statements or addresses urging someone to do something.
Illegal migrants - (noun) people who move to another country without following the legal process for entry and residency.
Border Patrol - (noun) a law enforcement agency who monitors and secures borders from illegal activities.
