The recent revelation that President Joe Biden was allegedly unaware of his administration’s pause on approving new Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) export terminals has ignited a firestorm of controversy. While the LNG policy itself is significant, the real concern lies in what this incident suggests about Biden’s awareness—or lack thereof—regarding other executive actions carried out under his name.
Did Biden Even Know?
According to reports, House Speaker Mike Johnson informed Biden about the LNG export pause, only to be met with apparent confusion from the President. If Biden was unaware of this executive action, it raises an uncomfortable but essential question: What else doesn’t he know?
The presidency is the ultimate position of accountability, where every executive action carries the weight of responsibility and consequences for millions of Americans. If Biden is unaware of key policies being enacted by his administration, who is truly making these decisions? And how many other actions have been signed off without his full understanding or involvement?
The Question of Competence
This incident with the LNG export policy isn't just about energy; it's about the competence of the current administration. If the President is not privy to or does not understand the ramifications of policies being enacted under his watch, it casts doubt on his ability to lead effectively. This scenario is particularly troubling in areas where decisions have global implications, like energy policy, which affects everything from international alliances to domestic economic stability.
Economic and Security Risks
From a conservative viewpoint, the pause on LNG exports was seen not just as an environmental misstep but as a direct hit to U.S. economic interests and national security. LNG exports have been vital for strengthening U.S. energy dominance, providing jobs, and supporting allies by reducing their reliance on less stable or ethical suppliers like Russia. The pause, therefore, was perceived as a strategic blunder, potentially benefiting adversaries while handicapping the U.S. economically.
A Troubling Pattern of Delegation
The LNG export pause is not an isolated policy. Over the past three years, the Biden administration has issued executive actions that have had far-reaching consequences:
Energy Policy: From canceling the Keystone XL pipeline to restricting oil and gas leases, Biden’s energy policies have faced significant backlash for their impact on jobs and energy prices.
Foreign Affairs: Decisions like the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal and the handling of Ukraine aid have drawn sharp criticism and left many questioning the administration’s competence.
Domestic Policies: Sweeping executive orders on climate, healthcare, and education have been pushed through without robust public debate, leaving Americans to deal with the fallout.
In each case, one must wonder how much the President was directly involved and whether these decisions were driven by advisors or external pressures rather than Biden himself.
The Role of Advisors
Critics argue that this situation highlights an over-reliance on advisors who may push their agendas without sufficient presidential oversight. The power of the executive branch is vast, and if wielded by those not directly accountable to the electorate, it can lead to policies that do not reflect the will or best interest of the American people. This concern is amplified when considering that these advisors might have ideological motivations that diverge from the pragmatic governance expected by many conservatives.
Public Trust and Accountability
The revelation of Biden's apparent ignorance of the LNG policy erodes public trust in the government's ability to manage complex issues. Conservatives particularly value transparency, accountability, and direct leadership. The idea that major policy decisions could be made without the President's full engagement challenges these values, suggesting a government where the elected official at the top might be more of a ceremonial figure than a decision-maker.
Implications and Future Actions
There has been speculation and some reports on X that this policy might be reversed with the incoming administration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to "unleash" U.S. LNG exports. This comes after Biden's administration published a long-awaited LNG report, which might have been a move to leave a policy footprint before the transition of power.
A court ruling in July 2024 reversed the pause, but the damage to America’s energy leadership—and to Biden’s credibility—was already done.
Conclusion: A Call for Change
As we look toward the future with a new administration on the horizon, the LNG export debacle serves as a cautionary tale. It underscores the need for a robust, engaged leadership where the President understands and is directly involved in the creation, evaluation, and implementation of policy. Conservatives will likely push for reforms that ensure the President is not just signing documents but is also intricately involved in the legislative and policy-making processes.
This situation not only questions the current administration's approach but also sets the stage for discussions on how to fortify the executive branch against such disconnects. The American public, regardless of political leanings, should demand a government where the President is not just in charge but knows what's being done in his name.
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