White House communications director Kate Bedingfield criticized the New York Times on Thursday for her editorial, urging President Biden to “ease” the executive’s actions.
“As the NYT board criticizes President Biden for taking swift executive action to reverse Trump’s most egregious actions, I can’t help but remember that during the mayor’s office, they encouraged voters to consider what what a President could accomplish through the Executive Action, ” Bedingfield said in a tweet.
“So my question is what actions did the president take to reverse Donald Trump’s executive orders that he wished he hadn’t followed?” continues the head of communication.
“Of course we are also following our agenda through legislation. That’s why we’re working so hard to get the American Rescue Plan up for grabs! ” she added.
In her editorial, Ms Gray mentioned that the president had issued a series of executive orders, including a commitment to join the Paris climate deal, an end to the travel ban in countries with heightened terrorism concerns, the revocation of the Keystone XL oil pipeline , stopping the construction of the border wall with Mexico and forcing masked clothing on federal property.
“These movements are greeted with cheers by Democrats and others eager to see the legacy of Donald Trump’s presidency dismantled,” the Times article said.
“Meanwhile, Republicans are groping about the presidential overthrow and accusing Mr. Biden of betraying his commitment to seek unity.”
The Times continued: “But this is not a way to make law. A narrowly divided, polarized Congress can offer Mr. Biden few options but to take executive action or see his entire hostage agenda.
“These directives, however, are a flawed substitute for legislation. They are intended to provide guidance to the government and must work at the discretion granted to the executive by the existing law or by the Constitution “, he continued.
“They do not create a new law – although executive orders have the force of law – and are not meant to serve as the ultimate goal around the will of Congress.”
He added: “The cancellation of some of Mr. Trump’s excesses is necessary, but Mr. Biden’s legacy will depend on his ability to enter into agreements with Congress.”