OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Tesla, SpaceX, and Starlink founder and CEO Elon Musk blasted Joe Biden for remarks the president made last week regarding the chaotic southwestern border.
Biden detailed his administration’s plans for negotiations over improving border security. Biden stated that if these proposed reforms are enacted as law, they would constitute the “toughest and fairest” ever adopted in U.S. history to enhance border security. The president also emphasized the necessity of increased funding for border security, which would include more border patrol agents, immigration judges, asylum officers, and advanced inspection technology.
“For everyone who is demanding tougher border control, this is the way to do it,” Biden wrote.
But Musk wasn’t buying it.
“No laws need to be passed. All that is needed is an executive order to require proof before granting an asylum hearing. That is how it used to be,” he wrote on his X platform.
Some Republican lawmakers and conservative pundits have made similar statements, pointing out that on his first day in office, Biden signed several executive orders reversing his predecessor’s tough immigration and border enforcement policies, such as “remain in Mexico” and construction of a border wall. The illegal migrant crisis exploded shortly afterward.
No laws need to be passed. All that is needed is an executive order to require proof before granting an asylum hearing. That is how it used to be.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 27, 2024
Former President Donald Trump has also criticized the negotiations, pointing out that some provisions Biden supports would essentially normalize the illegal crossing of thousands of migrants per day.
“A BAD BORDER DEAL IS FAR WORSE THAN NO BORDER DEAL!” he noted in all caps on his Truth Social platform.
Meanwhile, others are lashing out at Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) for supporting a border bill that they say will compromise Americans’ safety and security while undermining the process of immigrating to the U.S. legally.
“This is total BS from this RINO,” Donald Trump Jr. tweeted. “Lankford is cutting a deal with Dems to fund Zelenskyy with billions, while giving a mass amnesty to illegals. That’s why we oppose his shitty deal. Anyone who supports it deserves a primary. Why is it so hard to just secure the damn border???”
His father, meanwhile, also ripped the border bill during a campaign event in Nevada this week.
“As the leader of our party, there is zero chance I will support this horrible, open-borders betrayal of America. It’s not going to happen, and I’ll fight it all the way,” the former president said.
“I notice a lot of the senators, a lot of the senators are trying to say, respectfully, they’re blaming it on me. I said that’s OK, please blame it on me. Please, because they were getting ready to pass a very bad bill. And I’ll tell you what, a bad bill, I’d rather have no bill than a bad bill,” he added.
Meanwhile, a showdown is brewing between the Biden administration and Texas after Gov. Greg Abbott (R), fed up with having to deal with and pay for years’ worth of migrant surges, defied an order to vacate a state-owned park that borders Mexico and allow U.S. Border Patrol agents in to process migrants.
The Republican governor ordered the Texas National Guard and state law enforcement personnel to occupy the park near Eagle Pass and set up razor-wire barricades to prevent illegal entry. DHS has demanded that Abbott allow agents access to the park so they can dismantle the wire barriers, but he has refused to do so.
Now, dozens of other governors around the country are stepping up to offer Abbott words of encouragement and material support in the form of Guard troops, law enforcement officers, and other materials to protect and defend the state.
Some members of Congress are also siding with Abbott.
“We need to let Governor Abbott do his job, which is to put up the razor wire – I stand with Texas. We’ve got to secure this border,” Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) said.
