In a testy Oval Office exchange with the two top congressional Democrats, Rep. Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Chuck Schumer, President Trump made clear he would be "proud" to shut down the government in less than two weeks if he doesn't get funding for his border wall.

"I'll be the one to shut it down. I will take the mantle. And I will shut it down for border security," Trump told House and Senate Democratic leaders as Vice President Pence sat by stoically.

The statement from Trump came after minutes of tense back-and-forths with both Pelosi, the likely incoming House speaker when Democrats take control of the House, and Schumer, in an extraordinary show before the cameras and the press.

Democratic leaders have made it clear they don't intend to give the president a victory on funding for his signature border wall.