Staff Reports
Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa took a hard swing at Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s latest claim that the U.S. finds itself in a stronger global position than it did four years ago. It seems someone forgot to inform Blinken about the small matter of the ongoing chaos and conflicts that have erupted under the Biden administration. In what can only be described as a dazzling display of denial, Blinken penned an op-ed titled “America’s Strategy of Renewal,” in his attempt to convince America that everything is just peachy. Spoiler alert: it’s not.
In a straightforward rebuttal, Ernst threw shade on Blinken’s assertion that this administration has somehow strengthened the United States’ geopolitical standing compared to the days of former President Donald Trump. She called the current strategy nothing short of “absolute appeasement.” Apparently, being cozy with Iran and letting them cash in on oil sales is part of Blinken’s master plan—who knew? Back when Trump was in office, Iran was kept firmly in check, and one could actually argue that the global stage was a tad less tumultuous. Under Biden, the clamps have come off, and chaos seems to be the new modus operandi, with Russia moving into Ukraine and the Middle East looking like a scene straight out of a disaster movie.
Ernst did not pull any punches when pointing out the alarming reality of the recent rise in violence, including a horrific attack by Hamas that led to the deaths of over 1,400 people, including more than 40 American citizens. This is the same group that is reportedly funded by Iran, yet the Biden administration appears more content to sit on its hands than hold anyone accountable. Ernst’s frustration is palpable as she wonders why the U.S. hasn’t retaliated against the financial backers of the terror group while Blinken touts success.
Joni Ernst rebukes Blinken over claim US is better off globally thanks to Biden https://t.co/HbmVdFBByP via @dcexaminer
— Joni Myers (@JoniMyers18) October 2, 2024
Adding another layer to the mess, Ernst brought attention to a port strike initiated by the International Longshoremen’s Association, which threatens to disrupt U.S. military shipments. Because nothing says “strong global leader” quite like a military that can’t get its supplies shipped on time. Instead of focusing on better facilitating U.S. military transport, the administration seems preoccupied with writing op-eds that deny the very real challenges America faces.
In the meantime, events overseas have only intensified, with news that Iran launched approximately 200 ballistic missiles at Israel, only to be intercepted thanks to U.S. military support. Trump pointed to this situation as yet another example of the expanding conflict under Biden’s watch, predicting that Vice President Kamala Harris wouldn’t win any popularity contests with Israel due to the current administration’s approach. In light of these developments, it’s hard to understand just what Blinken is basing his assertions on, but one thing is clear: Americans are not buying the narrative that we’re better off than we were four years ago.
