Here’s what Trump had to say.
President-elect Donald Trump has condemned the horrific New Orleans attack as a “pure act of evil,” placing the blame squarely on the Biden administration’s open-border policies. A violent incident unfolded on New Year’s Eve when a driver plowed into a crowd of celebrants on Bourbon Street, killing at least 10 and injuring more than 30. Trump, using his platform on Truth Social, pointed to the flood of illegal migrants under President Biden’s watch as the catalyst for the escalating violence in America.
Reports have suggested the truck used in the attack recently crossed the U.S.-Mexico border through Eagle Pass, Texas. Although it’s still unclear whether the suspect is an illegal immigrant, Trump seized the opportunity to criticize Biden’s failure to secure the border. “When I said the criminals coming into our country are worse than the criminals already here, Democrats and the media mocked me. But now, it’s undeniable,” Trump wrote. He continued, “The crime rate is higher than ever. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and the heroic New Orleans police officers.”
Meanwhile, President Biden’s response to the tragedy has been widely criticized as tone-deaf and out of touch. Despite the tragic loss of life in New Orleans, Biden’s first public statement on New Year’s Day was a casual tweet: “Happy New Year, folks.” It wasn’t until hours later that he acknowledged the attack in a formal statement, condemning the “act of terrorism” and offering his condolences.
Social media erupted in anger, with many pointing out how Biden’s failure to address the tragedy immediately showed a lack of empathy. Some called his post “heartless,” highlighting his delayed response as a sign of disconnect from the American people.
Biden’s critics have also noted that while he vacations in luxury—recently spending time in the U.S. Virgin Islands—he failed to take decisive action or show the leadership Americans expect in such dire moments. By contrast, Trump has consistently emphasized the need for stronger borders and tougher immigration policies to keep Americans safe.
As the investigation into the attack continues, with the FBI leading the effort, the people of New Orleans are left to grapple with the aftermath of an unthinkable tragedy. As Trump vowed, the Trump administration would fully support the recovery efforts and ensure that justice is swiftly delivered to those responsible.
For now, Americans are left questioning whether President Biden is truly equipped to deal with the rising threats facing the nation or if his soft-on-crime policies are only fueling more violence and chaos. As we move into 2025, one thing is clear: leadership matters, and the country deserves better.