President Donald Trump is "not budging" on his demand that House Democrats include funding for a border wall, but he also does understand that technology must also come into play for ensuring security, Sen. John Kennedy said Tuesday, a day after flying back with the president on Air Force One after his speech in New Orleans.
"I think he understands what most Americans understand, that it is ludicrous to think that you can secure a 1900-mile border without barriers," the Louisiana Republican told Fox News' "America's Newsroom." "It's laughable on its face."
At the same time, Trump doesn't want to build a wall that is 1,900 miles long, said Kennedy.
"He understands we need technology and drones and more border personnel and more detention beds," said Kennedy. "He believes, as I happen to, that illegal immigration is illegal."
Kennedy added that he does not understand why House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is not tested more on her assertions that a border wall, "which 100-plus countries have," is ineffective and immoral.
"How is she going to seal a 1,900-mile border without using a barrier?" he said. "Maybe she doesn't want to seal it. I'm not saying one way or the other. The way she has been acting, she just doesn't support border security. If she doesn't like the law, change it."
Kennedy said Trump told him that he's had no contact from Democrats.
"I don't speak for the president," the senator said. "My impression is that he is not going to enter into any kind of settlement unless there is a border wall, period, end of discussion. He thinks he is right. He thinks that the Democrats are wrong on this one. They are being just obstructionists."