Trump Derails Biden’s Border Deal
In a series of posts on Truth Social over the weekend, former President Trump strongly criticized the U.S.-Mexico border deal, characterizing it as a potential disaster. Trump’s posts painted a bleak picture of the southern border, labeling it the “worst” in world history and expressing concerns about the possibility of another terrorist attack on U.S. soil.
Reflecting on the past, Trump highlighted that just three years ago, the United States boasted the strongest and safest border in its history. However, in his recent posts, he argued that the current situation represents a “catastrophe waiting to happen,” characterizing the border as an “open wound” in the nation’s once-great stature. Trump contended that terrorists are entering the country unchecked from various parts of the world, asserting a 100% chance of major terror attacks in the USA and urging for the border to be closed.
Trump directed his messaging towards Republicans in Congress, cautioning them against reaching a bipartisan deal on the southern border. He emphasized his belief that a bad border deal is worse than having no deal at all. According to Trump, the border has transformed into a “weapon of mass destruction,” and he lamented the shift from having the “best” border in history to the “worst” in just three years, alluding to the time since President Biden assumed office.
The former president’s stance on ongoing Senate negotiations, particularly those addressing aid to Ukraine and other countries along with border issues, has complicated efforts to reach an agreement. Lawmakers, including Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), expressed frustration over the influence Trump wields within the Republican Party, with Tillis deeming it “immoral” to prioritize political considerations over sound policy decisions.
Since winning the Iowa Caucuses and the New Hampshire primary, Trump has consistently opposed legislation addressing the border, including provisions for funding U.S. allies. His resistance stems from the belief that the proposed border provisions fall short, coupled with a desire to leverage the southern border issue against Biden, his anticipated opponent in the November general election.
Negotiations on the U.S.-Mexico border gained momentum in mid-December, with Biden administration officials and the White House joining talks that had been ongoing since mid-November. Senator Lankford (R-Okla.), serving as the Senate GOP chief border negotiator, had publicly urged the White House to participate earlier in the negotiations.