[Chief Rum]

I'll admit I am just playing this out off the top of my head without any research. But what is the actual cost, given what is likely to happen?

Trump declares the national emergency. The move is challenged in court as unconstitutional. Judges strike it down as not an emergency and an overreach of executive power. Trunp pouts.

Future Dem president tries to do the same thing with guns or healthcare. Same thing happens. Again, no changes.

IMO, I think the only thing that could get by the courts is climate change, as there are real concerns that could be a national and global emergency. But even that would depend on the level of measures requested and how strong the feeling of urgency is.