The Supreme Court has ruled that the administration has the authority to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS), clearing the way for officials to move forward with terminating the program for migrants from Haiti and Syria. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin defended the decision on CNN’s “State of the Union,” outlining the options available to those affected, including applying for permanent residency, seeking a temporary visa, or returning to their home countries.
BACKGROUND
Mullin said TPS was never designed to provide permanent legal status, noting that many recipients have lived in the United States for 15, 20, or even 30 years and may have pursued other immigration pathways during that time. He explained that individuals who qualify could apply for lawful permanent residence or temporary visas, while those who do not may be required to return home. The administration also said it would provide assistance for voluntary returns, including airfare and about $2,100 to help individuals resettle. However, Mullin emphasized that approval for permanent status is not guaranteed and will depend on individual eligibility, including factors such as criminal history, pending charges, or reliance on taxpayer-funded assistance, with each case reviewed separately.
Trump’s Warning To Next DC Mayor
President Donald Trump sharply criticized Washington, D.C.’s Democratic mayoral nominee on Sunday, warning that her progressive platform would make the nation’s capital less safe. In a lengthy Truth Social post, Trump accused Janeese Lewis George of backing policies that would weaken law enforcement, expand sanctuary city protections, and reverse efforts to reduce crime in Washington.
The president argued that Lewis George’s agenda would undermine the progress his administration has made in improving public safety throughout the District.
Trump described Lewis George as a “communist” and claimed she supports emptying prisons, opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), expanding cashless bail, defunding police departments, resisting anti-crime initiatives, and allowing illegal immigrants to return to the nation’s capital.
He warned that those policies would have devastating consequences for Washington, D.C., saying they would undo years of work aimed at restoring order and improving the city’s appearance.
Lewis George currently serves on the D.C. Council representing Ward 4. She recently won the Democratic primary to replace outgoing Mayor Muriel Bowser, who is retiring after three terms. Because Democrats dominate local elections in Washington, Lewis George is widely considered the favorite to become the city’s next mayor. Republicans did not nominate a candidate for the office.
A self-described democratic socialist, Lewis George has campaigned on expanding affordable child care, increasing housing construction through zoning and permitting reforms, and addressing the underlying causes of crime, particularly among young offenders.
She has also pledged to prevent the Metropolitan Police Department from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement. Interim Metropolitan Police Chief Jeffery Carroll said earlier this year that MPD does not work directly with ICE, although the department continues coordinating with other federal agencies involved in immigration enforcement.
Trump has repeatedly expressed concern about the direction of Washington under progressive leadership. Even before Lewis George secured the Democratic nomination, he suggested the federal government could assume greater control over the District if she became the party’s candidate.
Since August, National Guard troops from several states have been stationed in Washington as part of the Trump administration’s effort to reduce violent crime. The administration has also launched several initiatives aimed at beautifying the nation’s capital and improving public spaces.
Trump argued Sunday that Lewis George’s policies would erase those gains. He said he has invested significant time and resources into making Washington safer and cleaner and vowed he would not allow those efforts to be reversed. The president also revealed he plans to meet personally with Lewis George.
Lewis George’s campaign has not yet publicly responded to Trump’s latest remarks.
Trump later expanded his criticism by calling communism one of the greatest threats America has faced in modern history, comparing it to major challenges such as Pearl Harbor, World War II, and the September 11 terrorist attacks.
The president’s comments come as Republicans increasingly target the growing influence of democratic socialist candidates following several recent Democratic primary victories in New York City. Trump has also repeatedly referred to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani as a communist, although Mamdani identifies himself as a democratic socialist and rejects that label.
