KJP Responds TO Questions About the Border
On Wednesday, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre was confronted by reporters about why President Biden has not taken executive action to address the ongoing border crisis. The press secretary, 49, admitted that Biden does have the power to address the issue, but then snapped back at the question, demanding, “Why should he?” This response has caused some public backlash, as many believe that it is the President’s duty to take action and address pressing issues in the country.
Since taking office, President Biden has already signed 94 executive actions to reverse former President Trump’s border policies. However, as the migrant crisis continues to escalate, he has yet to issue any executive orders to address the situation. With a deadlocked Congress, the responsibility largely falls on the President to take executive action to address the issue. Despite this, Jean-Pierre appeared baffled by the suggestion that Biden should take the initiative.
It was later revealed that the White House has been considering using executive powers to limit the number of migrant crossings. However, Biden has publicly downplayed this possibility, citing concerns that the courts may strike down any executive action he takes. He has also stated that he would prefer to have bipartisan support from Congress before taking action. The White House has reiterated this stance, stating that legislation is necessary to solve the border crisis and that it should not be solely resolved through executive action.
🚨WATCH🚨
Karine Jean-Pierre says it is not Joe Biden’s job to secure the Southern Border when asked why he doesn’t take executive action.
“Why should he have to do it.”
Pierre goes on to admit that Biden has “taken many executive actions before” that created the… pic.twitter.com/DbIKEy6bpj
— House Republicans (@HouseGOP) May 22, 2024
Last month, President Biden spoke to Univision, where he expressed uncertainty about his power to address the border crisis unilaterally. However, the White House has prevented the President from taking any executive action, stating that it is a legislative matter and should be handled in a bipartisan manner. Jean-Pierre stated that the bipartisan immigration bill currently being considered in Congress is the best solution for the ongoing crisis.
The current stance of the White House has caused some concern among citizens, especially as immigration has become a prevalent issue. Public polls have revealed that immigration has surpassed inflation as the number one concern for voters. There are also signs that public opinion is hardening, with a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll showing that 56 percent of voters want the government to deport most or all immigrants in the country illegally.
Q: Biden has power to take executive action on border security, so why doesn’t he?
JEAN-PIERRE: “Why should he have to do it unilaterally?”
Q: “He took unilateral action before to undo [President Trump’s border security]!”
JEAN-PIERRE: Well, uh, yes — true. pic.twitter.com/4LFHUjBHbU
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) May 22, 2024
Meanwhile, Oklahoma is the latest state to be sued by the Biden Administration for attempting to make illegal immigration a state-level crime. The state joins Texas and Iowa, who are both facing legal challenges for similar laws. The bipartisan immigration bill aims to address these concerns by funding additional Border Patrol agents, investing in technology to catch drug traffickers, and increasing the number of immigration officers. Additionally, it would explicitly state the President’s ability to take unilateral action within the law.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has called on both parties to put aside partisan politics and vote in favor of the new immigration bill, but it is expected to face bipartisan opposition, similarly to the previous bill. This further puts pressure on President Biden to take executive action to address the border crisis. However, the White House remains firm in their stance that legislative action is necessary, and it is not solely the President’s duty to address the issue. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the government will ultimately handle the ongoing border crisis.