White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre faced tough questioning from Fox News White House correspondent Peter Doocy as he pressed her on President Joe Biden’s flip-flopping stance on the border wall. Despite promising during his presidential campaign that there would not be another foot of wall constructed in his administration, Biden’s DHS has recently waived 26 federal laws in order to permit construction of more border wall in South Texas.
Doocy pointed out the clear change in Biden’s position, questioning what had caused this sudden reversal. Jean-Pierre immediately became defensive, accusing Doocy of wanting the administration to break the law. But Doocy persisted, asking why the administration didn’t just take the issue to court instead of resorting to waiving federal laws.
The truth is, the Biden administration has a history of going to court to fight for their policies, such as the student loan forgiveness program. So why, in this instance, did they choose to waive laws instead of seeking a legal solution? Jean-Pierre had no real answer, instead deflecting and repeating that the administration is simply following the rule of law.
But the rule of law seems to be a selective principle for the Biden administration. They were quick to accept the use of border wall construction funds, despite previously denouncing the project and promising not to add any additional construction. The DHS used previously appropriated funds from Congress earmarked for border wall construction, while also waiving laws such as the Clean Air Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and Endangered Species Act.
The fact of the matter is, the border wall has been proven to be an effective tool in curbing illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Yet, the Biden administration halted construction upon taking office in January 2021, blatantly ignoring the needs and safety of American citizens.
The administration’s refusal to consider the effectiveness of the wall and their blatant disregard for the law is a dangerous precedent. It sets the precedent that they can pick and choose which laws to follow, depending on their own agenda. This kind of selective law enforcement is unacceptable and goes against the principles of our democracy.