Karine Jean-Pierre’s Controversial Commentary On Fentanyl And Cartel Violence At Border

Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House Press Secretary, faced criticism for her statement that the Biden Administration is handling the Fentanyl epidemic “in a historic way,” as Fentanyl is the leading cause of death among Americans aged 18-45, according to the CDC.

White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre faced heavy criticism after her comments downplaying the violence at the Mexican border were deemed “completely out of touch” by critics. The criticism came as four Americans were kidnapped in Mexico, with their vehicle being shot at by members of the Mexican drug cartel.

During a press briefing, Fox News White House correspondent Peter Doocy asked Jean-Pierre why President Biden was comfortable with cartels operating so close to the US when they were killing Americans on both sides of the border. Jean-Pierre defended President Biden’s efforts to secure the border and seize fentanyl in a historic way, claiming that fentanyl is currently at historic lows under Biden’s presidency. However, her comments were met with backlash from critics.

The incident highlights the ongoing debate about border security and the administration’s approach to dealing with cartels operating near the US border. This issue is of particular concern as fentanyl is currently the leading cause of death in Americans aged 18-45, with more than 70,000 deaths per year.

While the White House referred to the crime as “unacceptable,” there are calls for stronger action to combat the growing drug epidemic and cartel violence. The administration’s stance on the issue remains a contentious topic, with critics urging the government to take stronger action to secure the border and tackle the root causes of the drug epidemic.

Doocy: “Cartels kill Americans on this side of the border with drugs and now they’re killing Americans on the other side…with guns. Why is President Biden so comfortable with cartels operating so close to the U.S.?”

Karine Jean Pierre: “Well, let’s be very clear…[fentanyl] is at historic lows”

This is of course untrue, In his 2023 State of the Union address, Biden would address the Fentanyl epidemic in the United States, saying:

“Fentanyl is killing more than 70,000 Americans a year.

Let’s launch a major surge to stop fentanyl production, sale, and trafficking, with more drug detection machines to inspect cargo and stop pills and powder at the border.

Working with couriers like FedEx to inspect more packages for drugs. Strong penalties to crack down on fentanyl trafficking.”

John Cooper (@thejcoop) Would take to Twitter, saying:

“KJP calls the border wall “useless.”

These people are just completely out of touch with reality. They’ve obviously never talked to Border Patrol agents, who will tell you the wall is a necessary part of the toolkit.” 

Doocy followed up by asking if Biden would take the same approach if it were al-Qaeda or ISIS operating just across the border from an American city. Jean-Pierre responded by reiterating that the administration takes the problem seriously and that the military’s involvement was not discussed

Alexander J. Williams III