President Trump has walked back from demands that a government funding bill allocate $1.4 billion for border wall construction. The government faces the looming possibility of a government shutdown if a funding deal is not reached by the end of this week. On the campaign trail, Trump had promised that Mexico would pay for Trump’s expanded border wall. This is White House spokesperson Sean Spicer answering questions Monday.

Press Secretary Sean Spicer: “Look, they are currently negotiating. We feel very confident that they understand the president’s priorities and that we’ll come to an agreement by the end of Friday. … Well, I think, Jim, the president has made very clear that initially we needed to get the funding going. And there’s to be several mechanisms to make sure that that happens. That funding piece will happen in due time. Alexis?”

Reporter: “But that is a promise that the president made during the campaign time and again.”

Press Secretary Sean Spicer: “I understand that. It is—no, no, but he also—”

Reporter: “That Mexico would pay for the wall.”

Press Secretary Sean Spicer: “Right.”

Reporter: “And now we’re having a discussion—”

Press Secretary Sean Spicer: “No, no. We—”

Reporter: “—that the government might shut down over the wall.”

Press Secretary Sean Spicer: “No, no.”

Trump is expected to unveil his proposed tax overhaul on Wednesday, which will reportedly include a plan to slash the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to a mere 15 percent. If passed, the tax cut could significantly reduce government revenue for key public programs. Democrats have vowed not to work with President Trump on a tax plan until he releases his tax returns.