• by Ray Schultz , January 9, 2019

Republicans and Democrats were quickly out of the gate on Tuesday, sending fund-raising emails related to President Trump’s televised address to the nation.

The emails reflected the roiling political tensions over border security and the government shutdown.

The Trump campaign asked supporters to “Please make a special contribution of $5 by 9 PM EST to our Official Secure the Border fund to have your name sent to me after this important address.” The President hoped to raise $500,000. 

The Democratic National Committee retaliated with an email asking donors to contribute $1 to make the President’s speech backfire, according to the Hill.

“Trump just personally called his entire base to action,” it said. “He just sent donors a disgusting email urging them to flood him with cash before his big shutdown tonight.”

It was not clear at deadline how much money was raised by either side, but the shutdown battle will likely continue for days, if not weeks.  

The Trump campaign email started: 

“Friend, I will be addressing the nation at 9 PM EST on the Humanitarian and National Security crisis on our Southern Border.

"Just look at the facts:

"Drugs are poisoning our loved ones

"MS-13 gang members are threatening our safety

"Illegal criminals are flooding our nation

"I want to make one thing clear to Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi: 

"Your safety is not a political game or a negotiation tactic!

The Democratic email promised that all gifts would be triple-matched before 9 PM on Tuesday.