Trump Insulted And Backstabbed By Top GOP Candidate

Rep. María Elvira Salazar is standing by her criticism of President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement policies, even after her comments drew backlash from some conservatives.

The Florida Republican has become increasingly outspoken about the administration’s approach to deportations, arguing that some enforcement actions are affecting immigrants who have lived and worked in the United States for years without criminal convictions.

Salazar addressed the issue again Sunday during an appearance on CBS’s Face the Nation. She said she had spoken directly with Trump after releasing a campaign advertisement in which she warned that some of his immigration policies had gone too far.

According to Salazar, the conversation with Trump was cordial and the president listened to her concerns. She said she urged him to consider how his immigration policies could affect Hispanic voters who supported him in the 2024 presidential election.

Her message was not that immigration enforcement should end. Instead, Salazar argued that the administration should distinguish between people who pose a criminal threat and immigrants who have established families, careers and businesses in the United States.

That distinction has become central to her criticism.

In her campaign advertisement, Salazar directly addressed Trump and argued that some of his enforcement efforts had gone too far. She also cited figures concerning people detained during July and warned that the administration should carefully consider who is being targeted. CBS independently reported on the advertisement when it was released September 17.

Salazar has also promoted immigration legislation of her own. Her Dignity Act proposal has sought to establish a legal status for certain undocumented immigrants who have lived in the United States while pairing that approach with stronger border-security measures.

During Sunday’s interview, Salazar said she believes Americans can recognize a difference between immigrants involved in serious criminal activity and people who are working in industries such as agriculture, construction, hospitality, health care and manufacturing.

She also suggested that some members of Trump’s inner circle may not be giving him the full picture on immigration policy.

When asked whether she was referring to specific officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, border official Tom Homan or White House adviser Stephen Miller, Salazar declined to single anyone out.

Instead, she said the responsibility ultimately belongs to Trump because he is the president and must decide which advice to follow.

Her comments have generated criticism from some supporters of the administration’s immigration policies. Mullin, for example, has argued that people who entered the country illegally have violated federal immigration law and should not be treated as though they have no criminal conduct simply because they lack other convictions.

Salazar’s position reflects a debate that has continued within the Republican Party over how immigration enforcement should be carried out. The disagreement involves both the scope of deportations and whether some long-term undocumented immigrants should have a legal avenue to remain in the country.

The issue is particularly significant for Salazar because she represents Florida’s 27th Congressional District, an area with a large Hispanic population. She has repeatedly emphasized her connection to South Florida’s immigrant communities and her own family’s history.

Trump has responded critically to Salazar’s immigration concerns but has not withdrawn his support for her. He has continued to defend his administration’s emphasis on border enforcement while acknowledging that Salazar has raised the issue directly with him.

The disagreement now puts Salazar in an unusual position: she remains a Republican supporter of Trump while publicly challenging portions of his immigration strategy.

For now, she says she intends to continue making that case.

Her argument is that Republicans can maintain strong border enforcement while also developing a broader immigration policy for people who have lived in the United States for many years. Whether that approach gains wider support within the Republican Party remains an open question as the 2026 midterm campaign continues.