Internal conflicts and tensions within the White House have reportedly surfaced regarding the handling of the migrant crisis, as revealed in a recent report by the New York Post on Monday.
A report from Axios disclosed private criticisms by then-top Biden aide Susan Rice towards Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, describing him as a “b—h a–’’ and “idiot’’ over the administration’s response to the border situation. Rice’s frustration allegedly stemmed from Becerra’s failure to secure additional sheltering spaces for child migrants.
The internal strife extended to clashes involving Rice, Vice President Kamala Harris, Homeland Security Adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall, and other officials involved in coordinating the administration’s approach to the border crisis. Allegedly, Rice cautioned Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas not to intervene on Becerra’s behalf during a meeting with President Biden.
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Rice also reportedly criticized Harris for not taking charge of immigration policy, questioning whether this had impacted her chances of being Biden’s running mate in 2020. The report mentioned internal tensions and criticisms directed at Harris, with some aides purportedly mocking Rice as a mere “staffer.”
However, a former policy adviser to both Rice and Harris disputed these claims, highlighting their collaborative efforts in addressing migration issues.
The article delved into President Biden’s frustration over the border crisis, citing a tumultuous meeting aboard Air Force One where he demanded immigration data amid rising tensions, making it increasingly challenging for the administration to make decisions about the border.
Concerns were raised about Harris’ handling of the crisis, with sources describing her as “ineffective” and “sporadically engaged” in addressing the issue. The White House, however, refuted the negative characterization of a meeting involving top officials, describing it as “productive” and denying the reported tone and outcome of the conversation.
The report also touched upon internal disagreements regarding the State Department’s handling of the crisis, with some officials alleging delays in setting up regional processing centers. The State Department rejected these claims.
The revelations in the report underscore the internal challenges and divisions within the White House as it grapples with the complex and pressing issue of the migrant crisis. The findings shed light on the complexities and tensions surrounding the administration’s approach to immigration and border policy.
