According to the New York Times, Donald Trump is seeking airtime on the major broadcast networks to address the nation on Tuesday night, as the federal government shutdown in its 17th day.

The New York Times is reporting that the White House has officially made the request to the networks to interrupt their primetime schedules.

But Times reporter Michael Grynbaum says that at least two of the networks are hesitant.

“[S]kepticism about handing over airwaves for political statement,” Grynbaum wrote.

TRUMP wants primetime slot tomorrow to talk shutdown, @esullivannyt & @maggieNYT scoop

At least TWO major networks still deliberating – skepticism about handing over airwaves for political statement https://t.co/FznOfqjoXi

— Michael M. Grynbaum (@grynbaum) January 7, 2019

Additionally, Trump will be traveling to the Southern border on Thursday, according to White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

President @realDonaldTrump will travel to the Southern border on Thursday to meet with those on the frontlines of the national security and humanitarian crisis. More details will be announced soon.

— Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) January 7, 2019

Trump just officially announced the primetime address:

I am pleased to inform you that I will Address the Nation on the Humanitarian and National Security crisis on our Southern Border. Tuesday night at 9:00 P.M. Eastern.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2019

UPDATE:

The networks have caved, and will allow Trump to spew his racist disinformation:

The networks have agreed to air Trump's prime time Oval Office address. https://t.co/po17UihttW

— Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) January 7, 2019

The border trip would allow Trump the chance to use the bully pulpit to make his case that more than $5 billion in government funding is needed for a wall separating the U.S. and Mexico. Democrats have repeatedly rejected that funding request.

The trip would come on the 20th day of the shutdown if Congress does not pass a funding bill to reopen the closed parts of government before then, approaching the record set in the mid-1990s for longest shutdown.

Twitter had some thoughts:

Another political (campaign) rally targeting his base. No major network or print publication should cover this!

— Cindy C. ????❄️⛄️ (@mtcatlady17) January 7, 2019

This stunt has nothing to do with the real issue. It’s a self indulgent ego stroke to see how many people will tune in to watch. He will spew lies and people will laugh. But once again nobody in the GOP will say “enough”!

— Brian D (@executivebrian) January 7, 2019

This stunt has nothing to do with the real issue. It’s a self indulgent ego stroke to see how many people will tune in to watch. He will spew lies and people will laugh. But once again nobody in the GOP will say “enough”!

— Brian D (@executivebrian) January 7, 2019

Just say NO. He could go to the briefing room and make a statement right now.

— Beth Bryson (@maddezmom) January 7, 2019

Just say NO. He could go to the briefing room and make a statement right now.

— Beth Bryson (@maddezmom) January 7, 2019