Staff Reports
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) criticized President Joe Biden’s speech in which he blamed former President Donald Trump and “MAGA Republicans” for the border crisis that Biden created. Johnson called the speech “offensive,” stating that no one is buying Biden’s attempt to shift blame. He pointed out that the border situation escalated dramatically under Biden’s administration, as shown by the low approval ratings for their handling of the crisis. Johnson emphasized that it is time for Biden to take ownership of the situation instead of blaming Republicans.
Exclusive — Speaker Mike Johnson: Biden Speech Blaming Trump, ‘MAGA Republicans’ for Border Was ‘Offensive’ https://t.co/Nt4meMVIyY
— Wendy Kortepeter (@WKortepeter) February 8, 2024
Johnson also mentioned his opposition to a Senate funding package that included aid to Ukraine and Israel. He called the package “worse” than expected and helped derail it in the House. He criticized Biden for blasting Trump and “MAGA Republicans” in response to the collapse of the Senate proposal, claiming that Biden falsely paints Republicans as mindlessly following Trump.
Despite Biden’s attempts to shift blame, Johnson has repeatedly pressed him on using his executive authority to address the border crisis. Johnson stated that Biden has acknowledged he has the authority but refuses to utilize it. Johnson argued that Biden needs to do his job and protect the country. He also highlighted the list of executive actions taken by Biden, many of which Johnson believes purposely opened up the border and created the crisis.
Johnson finds Biden’s speech offensive because he believes it fails to take responsibility for the border crisis. He compared Biden’s blame on Trump and Republicans to Hillary Clinton’s infamous “deplorables” remarks during her 2016 campaign, stating the comparison is “completely true.” Johnson believes that the border issue will be a significant factor in the 2024 election, as it is a top concern for people across the country. He also sees it as a referendum on national security and believes Biden’s weakness on the world stage is dangerous.
Johnson and House Republicans will continue to fight to hold the Biden administration accountable for the border crisis, including attempting to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Johnson considers Mayorkas the worst cabinet secretary in American history and believes he must be held accountable for the damage he has done. Despite some setbacks, Johnson is determined to keep fighting because he views the situation at the border as a catastrophe that demands action.
