GOP Presidential Candidate Defends Controversial Comments That Biden Has 'Blood On His Hands' Amid Israel-Hamas War

Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) stood by his contentious remarks that President Joe Biden has "blood on his hands" following Hamas’s lethal attacks on Israel.

What Happened: Scott, who is a Republican presidential primary candidate, said he has no regrets about his statement that was made in reaction to the White House’s prisoner exchange with Iran last month, The Hill reported.

"I don't actually, I'm a happy warrior without any question. But we are now in the midst of a conflict, and so the warrior requires responsibility to start at the top."

"When you think about the fact that the weakness of Joe Biden attracts conflict around this world, and frankly, the negotiations with Iran … was specifically [what] I was talking about," Scott added.

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Why It Matters: Scott’s criticism came in the wake of a surprise attack by Hamas, backed by Iran, on Israel earlier this month. The attack resulted in over 1,400 fatalities, most of them civilians, and thousands injured. Scott maintains that Biden's negotiations with Iran indirectly led to these attacks.

Last month, the Biden administration unfroze $6 billion in Iranian funds, a decision made in exchange for the release of five wrongfully detained American citizens. In return, the Biden administration granted clemency to five Iranians and allowed the transfer of $6 billion of Iranian oil sale proceeds from South Korea to a bank in Qatar.

Under mounting pressure from lawmakers, including Scott, an agreement was reached earlier this month between the U.S. and the Qatari government to prevent Iran from accessing the $6 billion.

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