During a speech in Brownsville, Texas, amidst his visit to the southern border, President Joe Biden addressed the devastating effects of climate change, particularly highlighting a significant wildfire that swept through Texas and Oklahoma, consuming over a million acres of land. In his remarks, Biden took a moment to express his incredulity towards those who deny the existence of climate change, referring to them humorously as “Neanderthals.”
The President’s comments were made in the context of discussing the widespread damage caused by natural disasters, which he attributed to climate change based on his observations from aerial surveys of affected areas. Although he did not directly name any individuals or political groups, Biden’s use of the term “Neanderthals” aligns with his previous critiques aimed at members of the GOP who have expressed skepticism about global warming.
This isn’t the first time Biden has voiced concern over the impacts of climate change and the resistance some have shown towards acknowledging its reality. In the past, particularly following the release of the National Climate Assessment in November 2023, Biden has openly criticized climate change deniers, warning of the dire consequences of ignoring scientific evidence and urging for a collective acknowledgment of the issue to prevent a perilous future.
In addition to his climate change commentary, President Biden also seized the opportunity to address the issue of border security, expressing frustration over the failure of Congress to pass bipartisan legislation aimed at addressing the challenges at the border. He lamented the derailment of what he described as promising legislation due to political maneuvering, calling on legislators to prioritize the nation’s needs over partisan interests.
Biden’s visit to the border, which included a stop at the Rio Grande and briefings from Homeland Security officials, coincided with former President Donald Trump’s visit to Eagle Pass, Texas, located approximately 300 miles away from Brownsville. Trump, during his visit, criticized the current administration’s handling of border security, labeling the situation as a “Joe Biden invasion.”
The President’s appeal for bipartisan cooperation on border security legislation and his candid remarks on climate change deniers underscore the urgency with which he views these issues, reflecting a broader call for action amidst the ongoing debates surrounding environmental policies and immigration reform.