MSNBC reporter reveals why Trump is 'relishing' the government shutdown: 'He's leaning in'

MSNBC reporter Jake Taylor revealed on Sunday that people inside the White House say President Donald Trump is "leaning in" to the government shutdown because it allows him to vastly expand his power.

Taylor joined MSBNC anchor Alex Witt on "Alex Witt Reports" to discuss the ongoing government shutdown and how each party is responding. The reporter said that "preliminary discussion" between Republicans and Democrats about reopening the government has begun, although neither party has admitted it publicly.

"I was just talking to a White House official who essentially said the presidentis relishing in this moment," Taylor said. "Ofcourse, they said he wants thegovernment open, but there area lot of increasedexecutive authorityopportunities. The presidenthas a moment like this, andhe's really leaning into it."

Taylor mentioned that Trump has sought to dictate which furloughed federal workers are eligible to receive back pay once the government reopens, and which ones will be let go entirely. He added that Trump unilaterally moved to ensure military members received their paychecks and tried to halt funding for programs in Democratic districts.

How long this stalemate will continue remains to be seen, Taylor added.

"Privately,I am hearing from White Houseofficials that there are some ongoing,very early discussions thathave been taking place over thepast few days between Republicans on the hill and White House officials about how this ACA tax credit,which is kind of the hangup for Republicans, can cometo some type of compromise," Taylor said. "Butpublicly, they're not sayingthat. And they're continuing tosay until the government isback open, we're not even goingto have the discussion."