Biden's Fentanyl Gaffe Leads to White House Scramble, President Jets Off to Nantucket Vacation

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In a recent public address, President Joe Biden stirred controversy with remarks on the classification of fentanyl, leading to rapid clarification efforts by the White House. The President, who had scheduled a single event on Tuesday to discuss his administration’s approach to the escalating fentanyl crisis, mistakenly called for the drug to be classified as a Schedule I substance. This classification, contrary to his intention, would prohibit its legitimate medical use, as fentanyl is currently a Schedule II drug, recognized for its medical applicability.

The blunder was swiftly addressed by administration officials, who clarified to The Post that the President’s call was not for an outright ban on fentanyl. Instead, he intended to urge Congress to permanently classify fentanyl-related substances—chemically distinct from medical fentanyl—as Schedule I drugs. This move aims to combat the illicit drug trade, wherein traffickers exploit chemical composition variations to circumvent legal repercussions.

White House spokeswoman Kelly Scully emphasized the President’s focus on illicit, not medical, fentanyl, stating, “This is exactly what he intended to say. Today’s event is specifically about illicit fentanyl.”

The incident underscores ongoing challenges in the administration’s fight against the fentanyl crisis, compounded by border security concerns and international drug trafficking dynamics, notably involving China.

Following the event, President Biden departed for a vacation in Nantucket, staying at the estate of billionaire David Rubenstein. Critics have pointed out the President’s frequent vacationing, juxtaposed with his public criticism of billionaires, as a potential conflict with his administration’s messaging.

The President’s physical agility also became a topic of discussion, with observers noting a stark contrast in his mobility compared to First Lady Jill Biden, as they boarded their plane. This has further fueled debates about his fitness for office, a recurring theme in public discourse.

As the President enjoys his vacation, with a largely empty schedule, questions loom about the administration’s ongoing efforts to address critical national issues, including the fentanyl crisis.