Trump Calls Out His Own Team?
President Donald Trump acknowledged Thursday that while his administration believes its immigration policies are effective, it has struggled to clearly communicate that message to the American public—particularly as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) remains under intense media scrutiny.
During an interview with Tom Llamas on NBC Nightly News, Trump said enforcement efforts are producing results but admitted public perception has been shaped by negative narratives.
“We do a phenomenal job,” Trump said. “But I don’t think we’re very good at public relations.”
Trump Responds to Joe Rogan Comments on ICE Enforcement
Llamas questioned the president about remarks made by podcast host Joe Rogan, who recently suggested he understands why some critics compare ICE enforcement practices to historical authoritarian tactics.
Trump rejected that comparison while emphasizing his personal respect for Rogan, pointing to their widely viewed interview prior to the election.
“He’s a great guy,” Trump said. “We had tremendous success. I think it was his biggest interview ever.”
The president also revealed the two spoke again just days ago, touching briefly on immigration enforcement and border security.
“It was a good conversation,” Trump added. “I think he likes me, and I like him.”
Rogan Raises Concerns as Immigration Debate Intensifies
Rogan has recently voiced concerns on his podcast about aggressive enforcement tactics, warning that overly broad operations could create fear and occasionally affect U.S. citizens who lack documentation at the moment of contact.
Those remarks have fueled renewed debate over immigration policy, border security, and federal enforcement authority—issues that remain front and center for voters heading into the next election cycle.
Polls Show Divided Public Opinion on Immigration
Public opinion remains split, according to recent polling data. A survey conducted by Reuters/Ipsos found that 39 percent of respondents approve of Trump’s handling of immigration, while 53 percent disapprove.
Another Ipsos poll released last week reported that 62 percent of respondents believe ICE enforcement actions have gone too far, reflecting ongoing concerns driven largely by media coverage and activist pressure.
Trump Stands Firm on Border Security
Despite the criticism, Trump has consistently defended strong immigration enforcement as essential to protecting national security, public safety, and the rule of law. He has repeatedly argued that illegal immigration places strain on local communities, social services, and taxpayers—particularly seniors and working Americans.
While acknowledging shortcomings in messaging, Trump has signaled no intention of backing away from his border policies, instead calling for clearer communication to counter what he views as misleading portrayals by political opponents and legacy media outlets.
