Reuters polls show that most Americans blame President Trump for the recent U.S. government shutdown. President Trump remains adamant about having to shut down the U.S. government in order to acquire at least $5 billion public finance for the southern border wall. This border security tax helps fulfill one of his presidential campaign promises on U.S. immigration, which has long been a major source of diverse vitality for the American dream.

The Trump intransigence is illustrative of his wider political philosophy, which often hinges on performing for the Republican base (rather than gauging the key popular mood of the whole country). The rapid rise of President Trump has been the natural result of his inclination toward *political tribalism*. This tribalism often leads Trump to design policies in a consistent way that places his political prospects squarely on the fervent loyalty of fellow Republicans. After losing House majority control to Democrats in the November 2018 midterm elections, President Trump entrenches himself and mocks those moderate Republican losers instead of expressing regret-and-contrition or pledging to collaborate with Democrats. The tactic works wonders for President Trump as 75% of Republicans favor building the border wall despite declining approval in the general polls.