Editorial: Politics, NOT security, is why Trump and his backers cry border crisis

CBC Editorial: Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024; #8903

The following is the opinion of Capitol Broadcasting Company

The truth is out about confronting the “crisis” on our nation’s borders – particularly between the United States and Mexico.

Dealing with the problem, supporting solutions and taking action aren’t nearly as important as partisan campaign jawboning about “broken” borders and manufacturing ways to keep some voters aggravated.

That is what is driving the issue, particularly for former President Donald Trump and his followers in Congress, who refuse to back a Republican-led bipartisan package to close the border, crack down on migration and address illegal narcotics trafficking.

Key conservative Republicans, including North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis and Rep. Patrick McHenry, see adoption of the package as an important opportunity.

“If anyone’s intellectually honest with themselves, they know that these would be extraordinary tools for President Trump,” Tillis said. “We will rue the day if we miss this opportunity.”

Rep. Patrick McHenry, who served briefly as House Speaker last year, said the deal is a victory for Trump and the Republicans. “Take the policy win, bank it, and go back for more. That is always the goal.”

Rep Tim Burchett, a Tennessee Republican, ridiculed McHenry and in the process revealed the true motive – having a campaign issue to bloviate about.   “McHenry’s leaving,” he said dismissively. McHenry, who has represented North Carolina in the U.S. House since 2005, is not seeking re-election.

Backing or opposing the deal has become something of a Trump loyalty test. Conservative Oklahoma Sen. James Lankford who helped lead the negotiations, was censured by his state’s Republican Party over the weekend because he got a deal the GOP had demanded.

For months Republicans refused to vote for aid to Ukraine in its defense against the Russian invasion until changes were made in border policy. In the process they played politics rather than support a nation struggling for freedom.

“So we actually locked arms together and said, ‘We’re not going to give money for this. We want a change in law,’” Lankford said. “When we’re finally getting to the end, they’re like, ‘Oh, just kidding, I actually don’t want a change in law because of presidential election year.’”

National security, securing the border, supporting freedom-fighters abroad takes a back seat to Donald Trump’s desire to manufacture a campaign issue. It’s about Trump’s fear -- a deal might be perceived as a win for President Joe Biden.

Without the deal, freedom in Ukraine will remain in jeopardy and the lives of the people there in increasing danger in an escalating war. Without a deal the president – be it Joe Biden now or someone else in the future – is without the powers to address the problems on the border.

Biden, in a statement on the bipartisan agreement, was right on the most important point.

“Securing the border through these negotiations is a win for America. For everyone who is demanding tougher border control, this is the way to do it.  If you’re serious about the border crisis, pass a bipartisan bill and I will sign it.”

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