After Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) criticized the Biden administration’s border security and Senate border security discussions, the White House slammed him. White House spokesperson Andrew Bates chastised Johnson for “tying himself in knots” with inconsistent assertions during a “Meet the Press” appearance.
White House Twists the Narrative Rebukes Speaker Johnson
In the interview, Johnson claimed to not know about Senate deliberations on the border measure but suggested that President Biden utilize his authority immediately and demand new legislation to protect the border. Bates called Johnson’s allegations “wildly swinging between inherently contradictory claims.”
Bates further claimed that Johnson’s resistance to Senate border discussions was part of a larger campaign to obstruct border security programs, fentanyl investments, and Border Patrol recruiting. Johnson denied that former President Trump’s opposition to the border bill affected his views, but the White House spokeswoman said it did.
Johnson said that he, not Trump, made border security decisions as House Speaker. He emphasized his longstanding call for addressing border issues’ root causes.
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Speaker Johnson and White House Twist Clash Over Bipartisan Negotiations
Bates accused Johnson of attempting to find excuses to impede bipartisan border security discussions. Johnson claims independence from Trump, while the White House criticizes his Senate negotiating opposition.
Speaker Johnson’s dispute with the White House highlights the complexities of border security and political relations. The fate of border security programs is questionable as both sides dig in, with repercussions beyond party divisions.