White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declined to offer an apology to Japan after President Joe Biden referred to the U.S. ally, along with China and Russia, as “xenophobic.” During a campaign fundraiser in Washington, Biden credited the strong U.S. economy to the welcoming attitude towards immigrants, contrasting it with Japan and China, and Russia. Despite Japan being a long-time ally of the U.S. in countering China’s aggression in the Asia-Pacific region, Biden’s comments caused controversy. Jean-Pierre defended Biden’s statement by emphasizing that the U.S. is a nation of immigrants, which strengthens the country. She refrained from apologizing for the president’s remark, leading to further questions from reporters. Critics argue that pro-migration policies may have negative implications for American workers and the economy.
