U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg strongly denied on Tuesday that the Biden administration had recently changed border policy, following a question about the border from CNBC’s Joe Kernen.
Kernen claimed that Democrats only became interested in the border issue after it became a major campaign issue, but Buttigieg disputed that idea, saying it was “literally not true.” .
The official also claimed that former President Trump and the Republican Party are thwarting Biden’s efforts to secure the border by overriding recent bipartisan border legislation.
Kernen responded that Democrats’ talking points are causing “frustration” among voters who have seen the Biden administration’s actions. An argument ensued between the two, resulting in considerable disagreement.
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CNBC host Joe Kernen sparred with U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg over President Biden’s border policies.
Buttigieg took part in the debate touting Biden’s accomplishments as president, pointing out that if Biden is missing something, it’s because Republicans won’t cooperate.
He used the border as an example, saying, “It was especially disappointing to see what happened at the border, right? You have Congressional Republicans — they’re talking about the border at every turn, so they’re not interested. I would have thought he would have.” As he deals with it…
He continued, “…and the ultra-low power put together by one of the most conservative members of the Senate and Democrats working together, negotiating, and making tough decisions that are difficult for both of their respective constituencies.” When the partisan bill was introduced and we put it out there – it looked like we had a chance to do something with real resources at the border.”
Buttigieg later accused Trump of tearing up the deal, saying he did so “because of the chilling effect he gave Congressional Republicans.”
The CNBC host said that Biden and his colleagues were not interested in resolving the border crisis until it became clear that it would be a major issue in the campaign. It was only then,” he said.
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President Joe Biden speaks about immigration and border security at the Brownsville Station in Olmito, Texas, on February 29, 2024. The president visited the border near Brownsville on the same day as former President Donald Trump’s dueling trip to neighboring Eagle Pass, Texas. (Photo by Cheney Orr/Getty Images)
Mr. Buttigieg tried to challenge that idea and started talking about Kernen, but the moderator pushed back and made another point.
“That’s why people get irritated every time they hear that it’s the Republicans who suddenly destroyed the border,” Kernen said. “We know what President Biden said about inviting people in. He We know that we have removed what destroyed our borders.” The border closure established by President Trump remains in place. We know President Trump took all that away, so when you say it’s not his fault—”
“That’s literally not true. That’s literally not true,” Buttigieg interjected, rejecting the host’s view.
The two sides continued their dialogue, with Mr. Kernan asking whether the secretary knew that more than 7 million people have crossed the border since Mr. Biden took office, and Mr. Buttigieg saying that Mr. Biden would repeal “child removal policies.” He claimed that he just did it. parents’ arms. ”
Buttigieg added, “But some of the other things that are being suggested are not true,” to which Kernen responded, “That’s part of the problem and why there is a disconnect.”
Buttigieg continued to accuse Republicans of using the issue as a political “club” and saying that “rather than solve the problem and risk the president sharing the credit, it’s for political use.” “We want to keep the problem going,” he said. ”
“The reason some of these numbers are the way they are is that the president may have missed a step, rather than actually owning some of the problems we have,” Kernen said. Instead of acknowledging that, the administration seems to keep saying that.” Don’t believe your lying eyes. ”
“With all due respect, Joe, I think Congressional Republicans are telling us not to believe the lying eyes. That’s why they’re at about 15% right now,” Buttigieg countered.
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