US President Donald Trump arrives to address the annual American Farm Bureau Federation convention in the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana on January 14, 2019. (Photo by Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images)
Dozens of protesters in New Orleans are calling for President Trump to end the partial government shutdown.
Protesters marched outside the convention center today where Trump was scheduled to speak at the American Farm Bureau Federation's annual gathering, which is closed to the public.
The group began gathering at 10:30 this morning at the end of Canal Street holding signs advocating for funding the quarter of the government that is out of money.
Trump was scheduled to speak at the convention just before noon, but Air Force One was delayed leaving Washington, DC, delaying his appearance.
During his appearance, the President vowed to never give up his campaign to build a massive border wall.
Trump again called the border situation a humanitarian and security crisis and said women and children are being ruthlessly exploited at the U.S.-Mexican border. He also insisted that illicit drugs are flowing through the southern border and are destroying the fabric of the U.S.
Trump's demand for funding for the wall prompted the ongoing partial shutdown of the federal government, which is in its fourth week. Democrats have accused Trump of manufacturing a crisis to get money for the wall.
Trump also praised farmers in his comments, noting that farmers feed, fuel and sustain the U.S. He told farmers to look forward to taking advantage of great trade deals that are being negotiated.
Trump also appeared to take credit for falling gas prices, saying nothing happens by accident.
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