The 2026 midterm elections are shaping up to be a highly contested referendum on Trump and his policies. It will feature progressive ads focused on why voters should "hate Trump" and the chaos and hardships he has unleashed. Republican ads will focus on his track record of delivering on his campaign promises and asking voters to give him a Congress that will allow him to keep delivering on his America First policies.
Unfortunately, many of the positives that will come from his change policies will take time to deliver their full benefits. Right now, his government cutbacks and tariffs are costing some voters he dearly needs, and many more fear that it could get worse.
Since Trump took office, the Democrats have focused on one thing: "Hating Trump!" They have called him every name in the book, and he has let it roll off like water on a duck's back. But recently, with the help of the mainstream media, the progressives have found three issues that promise to provide the evidence to fuel that hatred—affordability for middle America, Obamacare subsidies, and the chaos created in ICE raids in blue states. Voters may not know what the Democrats are for, but they want voters to know that Trump may not be the president they voted for.
On the deportation issue, a change in focus might allow Trump to continue to deliver targeted deportations but do it in a way that minimizes resistance and negative media coverage. In short, continue to focus on deporting the worst of the worst, but prioritize focusing on states and urban areas willing to work with ICE to do so.
Every attempt to do raids in blue states where demonstrations are violent gives the media all the images they need to fuel progressive anger. Democrats use coverage of those raids and the chaos they generate to rally the faithful and secure campaign funds. It's time to stop giving them what they want. Focus ICE activity on where they are wanted to bring order and safety to communities. In summary, focus on red states.
The number of illegal immigrants who rushed across the border during Biden's years has created an overwhelming challenge. Even with more ICE agents, they are securing and deporting only a small percentage of the undocumented. There are not enough months left in the Trump years to deport them all. Even President Trump and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are sending a more realistic message—"We're only working on the worst of the worst!"
Unfortunately, in cities where they fight deportations, ICE agents at times are forced to detain some legal citizens who are not the "worst of the worst." Democratic North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein has criticized their approach: "We should all focus on arresting violent criminals and drug traffickers. Unfortunately, that's not always what we have seen with ICE and Border Patrol Agents in Chicago and elsewhere around the country. The vast majority of people they have detained have no criminal convictions, and some are American citizens." The media gladly focuses on the chaos and the citizen arrests, and a growing number of voters are concerned. In many cases, it is putting ICE agents in danger of their own lives.
Thankfully, in states where leaders want ICE to remove the criminal illegal aliens, it's a different story. They can work with local law enforcement to pick up those criminals set for deportation at detention facilities. The transfer is seamless and minimizes any community disruption.
There are added benefits. Those states and cities that cooperate will have safer cities and fewer illegal immigrants taking jobs and raising rental rates in their communities. Illegals facing stiff accountability will soon leave such areas and move to states that provide sanctuary, support, and safety. The progressive states already are facing budget challenges to care for the illegals that they have embraced.
Where would you go if you were an illegal? Some states seem to be putting out welcome mats—California, Oregon, Washington, Illinois, New York City, to name a few. Let them have them all and experience the natural consequences for their "caring"—more crime, higher taxes, more competition for jobs, and higher rent when demand for housing soars.
President Trump could add pressure by continuing to limit any federal benefits to citizens and those here legally. In Britain, politicians are proposing a 10-year moratorium on benefits for illegal immigrants who have flooded into their country. For sure, Trump should refuse to bail out states providing benefits to illegals. Let him continue to put American citizens first.
As illegals flood progressive states, there will be pressure to limit support. Faced with such a lack of funding, many illegal immigrants will take advantage of the Department of Homeland Security's offer to pay for their flight and $1,000 to help them restart when they return home. Many have already taken advantage of the program with the hope of someday returning legally.
In no way should Trump imply that he does not have the authority or right to send ICE teams into sanctuary states. He should remain free to assist if called in to help restore order when riots occur. Let progressive citizens who want to encourage illegal immigrants donate private funds to meet that need. They can welcome illegal immigrants, but Trump should make it clear not to expect other states and the federal government to welcome illegals or pay for their support.
Terry Paulson is a PhD psychologist, professional speaker, and author of "The Optimism Advantage" and his new political novel, "The Summit." Contact him at terry@terrypaulson.com.
Editor’s Note: Thanks to President Trump, illegal immigration into our great country has virtually stopped. Despite the radical left's lies, new legislation wasn't needed to secure our border, just a new president.
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