President Donald Trump used the opportunity of the White House Easter Egg Roll to address some of his youngest supporters about one of his signature policy initiatives: building a wall on the southern U.S. border.
“Oh it’s happening, it’s being built now,” Trump told a group of children as he colored pictures with them on Monday in celebration of Easter on the White House’s South Lawn.
“Here’s a young guy just said ‘keep building that wall.’ Do you believe it? He’s going to be a conservative someday,” the president said.
Trump continues to push controversial policies to halt migration from Central America. The administration’s botched efforts have ranged from separating migrant children from their families to ultimatums against Mexico that have proved too costly to enforce.
The president has hammered on immigration since the day he launched his presidential campaign in 2015. It remains one of the most divisive issues of his presidency and he’s promised it will feature prominently in his 2020 re-election campaign.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Donald Trump Is TIME's 2024 Person of the Year
- Why We Chose Trump as Person of the Year
- Is Intermittent Fasting Good or Bad for You?
- The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024
- The 20 Best Christmas TV Episodes
- Column: If Optimism Feels Ridiculous Now, Try Hope
- The Future of Climate Action Is Trade Policy
- Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby Decision
Contact us at letters@time.com