Republican Issues Warning To Trump
Louisiana Republican Backs President Trump’s Immigration Decision, Warns Against Judicial Overreach
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a powerful defense of President Donald Trump, Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) pushed back Sunday against accusations that the president ignored a court order in the deportation case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia — a Salvadoran national living in the U.S. illegally.
During an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press, Kennedy expressed strong confidence that President Trump is upholding the rule of law.
“Yes,” Kennedy responded, when asked whether Trump is complying with court rulings. “And I don’t believe President Trump will defy a federal judge’s order. If he does, I’ll call him out on it.”
Rule of Law and Immigration: Kennedy Stands Firm
Kennedy, a former law professor and longtime advocate for constitutional order, emphasized that no one — not even the president — is above the law, but that doesn’t mean judicial decisions are beyond criticism.
“I love the rule of law like the devil loves sin,” Kennedy said. “You can criticize a judge. You can appeal a decision. But you can’t ignore a lawful order — and I haven’t seen President Trump do that.”
This firm yet nuanced position resonates strongly with conservatives who value both strong borders and legal accountability.
What’s Behind the Abrego Garcia Controversy?
The case centers around Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national deported from Maryland to El Salvador despite a prior 2019 ruling blocking his removal due to safety concerns. The Trump administration cited an “administrative error” for the deportation.
Last week, a federal appeals court ordered the administration to “facilitate” his return, a move criticized by many who see it as judicial activism interfering with executive authority.
A Reagan-Appointed Judge Criticizes Trump – Kennedy Responds
Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson, appointed by President Ronald Reagan, rebuked the Trump administration in a sharply worded opinion:
“This should be shocking… to the intuitive sense of liberty that Americans still hold dear.”
But Kennedy fired back:
“What does Judge Wilkinson expect President Trump to do? Invade El Salvador?” Kennedy said. “President Bukele looked the president in the eye in the Oval Office and said, ‘I’m not sending him back.’ What more is Trump supposed to do?”
Did Trump Ask for Abrego Garcia’s Return? Here’s What We Know
NBC’s Kristen Welker suggested Trump could have asked President Bukele to return Garcia. Kennedy wasn’t buying it:
“How do you know he hasn’t already?” he shot back.
The exchange highlights a growing frustration among conservatives with what they see as unelected judges trying to handcuff the president’s ability to protect American citizens and enforce immigration laws.
Immigration, Sovereignty, and 2026: What’s at Stake
This case is more than a legal dispute — it’s a clear window into the ongoing battle between elected officials working to secure our borders and activist courts undermining national sovereignty.
With the 2026 elections on the horizon, Republican leaders are drawing a line in the sand. The conservative base remains energized by Trump’s no-nonsense immigration agenda and leaders like Senator Kennedy who are unafraid to defend it.
