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Trump highlighted Biden's policies following the New Orleans terrorist attack. However, the president-elect could face similar criticism if an attack occurs during his presidency.

Jan. 3, 2025, 4:00 PM GMT+6

WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump has condemned the recent terrorist attack in New Orleans, which killed 14 people, calling it unacceptable, inexcusable, and reflective of a nation in decline under what he deems the worst president in U.S. history, Joe Biden.

Having harshly criticized Biden for his leadership, Trump now faces the possibility of his own words being turned against him if a similar tragedy occurs during his presidency, set to begin in just 17 days.

In a series of social media posts, Trump suggested that the attack on Bourbon Street was a consequence of weak border security, claiming that the porous border allowed criminals to enter the U.S. and carry out violence. He argued that the assault supported his long-standing view that undefended borders lead to crime.

“When I said that the criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country, that statement was constantly refuted by Democrats and the Fake News Media, but it turned out to be true,” Trump wrote on New Year’s Day, hours after the attack unfolded.

However, authorities have revealed key details about the incident that contradict Trump’s narrative. The suspected attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, has been identified as a U.S. citizen and Army veteran from Texas. Rep. Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, confirmed that when he inquired about any foreign involvement in the attack, the FBI's counterterrorism chief stated there was none.

Mass killings have become tragically common in the U.S., occurring under both Republican and Democratic administrations. With no clear answers to the root causes, politicians often struggle to find solutions. Trump’s sharp critique of Biden risks backfiring if similar incidents occur during his term, and Biden is no longer around to blame.

“We live in a very polarized society, and there are extremists who are willing to use violence, and it's easy to do in America,” said Bruce Riedel, a former CIA officer. “You can just go buy a gun. Unfortunately, violence like this is becoming the norm in America, and it would be surprising if we had a holiday without some horrific mass casualty event.”

Critics have questioned whether Trump should have spoken out while authorities in New Orleans were still investigating the incident. Trump's appeal to voters has often been rooted in his unfiltered communication, but some argue that, in this case, it would have been wise for someone in his position to withhold comment until the facts were clearer.

Leon Panetta, a former CIA director, defense secretary, and White House chief of staff, expressed concern: “I get the sense that he's still in campaign mode, emphasizing themes he pushed during the election, whether or not they align with the facts. The president-elect should ensure his statements are fact-based, especially given the responsibility of his office.”

Trump's initial post on Wednesday, just after news outlets reported that the suspect's truck had crossed the border into Texas, prompted speculation that the attack was linked to lax border security. However, Fox News later corrected its report, noting that the truck had crossed in November, and the driver did not appear to be the New Orleans suspect. Despite this, conservatives on social media continued to speculate that a migrant was responsible.

Trump refrained from commenting further for much of the day, instead spending time at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida. Later, in the early hours of Thursday, he posted again, this time broadening his criticisms to a general condemnation of the Biden administration’s policies.

“Our country is a disaster, a laughing stock all over the world! This is what happens when you have OPEN BORDERS, with weak, ineffective, and virtually nonexistent leadership,” he wrote, adding that the Department of Justice, the FBI, and local prosecutors had failed to do their jobs.

At 9:08 a.m. Thursday, Trump issued another statement, intensifying his rhetoric about the consequences of open borders, linking it to rising violent crime and terrorism.

Incoming White House communications director Steven Cheung defended Trump’s comments, stating that the border situation was a critical issue affecting national safety, and emphasizing the threat posed by radical terrorism. "Criminals crossing the border have committed some of the most heinous crimes in this country's history," he asserted.

Some of Trump’s allies also defended his statements, suggesting that while the suspects in New Orleans and a separate incident at the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas were American citizens, they may have been radicalized abroad, further justifying Trump’s stance on securing the border.

The recent attacks have also reignited debates about Trump’s national security appointments. His choices for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, and director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, have faced scrutiny over their qualifications. A transition official noted that these incidents had raised the stakes, emphasizing the urgency of confirming key security positions to address the growing threats to the country.

As Trump prepares for his presidency, the attack in New Orleans serves as a stark reminder of the challenges he will face, especially in the realm of national security. The tragedies have only heightened the pressure on Trump to ensure that his team is well-prepared for the increasingly volatile world stage.