In a recent heated exchange on CNN, Representative Ralph Norman, a Republican from South Carolina, challenged host Jim Acosta over the ongoing border crisis.
Norman asserted that CNN should be more proactive in reporting the situation at the border.
Acosta queried Norman on the Republicans' strategy to secure the border amidst a potential government shutdown, expressing his confusion over the plan. Norman retorted, "Were going to have to force the public is going to have to force this Biden Administration to let the border patrol agents do their job, to get the wall built, have designated points of entry. And this administration is not doing it. Theyre doing it intentionally. And whether you agree with it or not, theyre doing it for power. Why are they giving Social Security numbers and drivers licenses?"
Acosta, not satisfied with Norman's response, demanded evidence to support his claims, accusing the congressman of merely "throwing rhetoric around." The conversation then shifted to whether Acosta had personally visited the border, to which he affirmed he had.
Norman continued to press Acosta, highlighting the severity of the situation at the border, including instances of sexual assault. Acosta countered, "Ill ask the questions, sir. And the border is not open. That is something that is peddled as a talking point, but its not true. There are fences. There are walls. There are border patrol agents who work on the border."
The number of migrant encounters at the southern border surpassed 200,000 in August, setting a new record for the year and marking the highest August on record. Norman maintained that border patrol agents were frustrated, urging Acosta to inquire with "anyone down there."
Acosta then questioned Norman's plan for border enforcement in the event of a government shutdown, arguing that unpaid border patrol agents would be less inclined to perform their duties. He also disputed the claim that the former president's border wall was ever constructed.
Norman responded, "Jim, look, those are your talking points. He did build a wall. He couldnt finish it because Joe Biden stopped him when he unfortunately went into office. And steel is laying on the ground, paying subcontractors. Its a national security problem. CNN should report what's going on."
Acosta defended CNN's coverage, stating, "We are down there at the border all the time reporting on whats taking it place. Were doing it every day."
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