This archive report was first published on 2 October 2019.
On October 2, 2019, US President Donald Trump denied a report by the New York Times that he proposed extreme measures to stop migrants on the Mexican border.
According to the report, Trump discussed using potentially deadly reptiles, including alligators, and spiked fences to deter migrants.
Trump also reportedly suggested allowing soldiers to shoot illegal border crossers in the legs after being told it was not permitted to use deadly force.
Trump has made a clampdown on both illegal and legal immigration a key part of his presidency, with undocumented crossings of the Mexican border dropping sharply.
Trump responded to the report on Twitter, saying, "The press is trying to sell the fact that I wanted a Moat stuffed with alligators and snakes, with an electrified fence and sharp spikes on top, at our Southern Border." He later corrected the spelling to "Moat" and added, "I may be tough on Border Security, but not that tough. The press has gone Crazy. Fake News!"
