Trump faces controversy over deportation flights amid economic and political divisions
The administration claims to have deported approximately 300 Venezuelan gang members to a prison in El Salvador under the rarely invoked Alien Enemies Act
(NBC NEWS)-President Trump returned to Washington overnight, facing scrutiny over a controversial round of deportation flights. The administration claims to have deported approximately 300 Venezuelan gang members to a prison in El Salvador under the rarely invoked Alien Enemies Act—a law traditionally used only in times of war. “I can tell you this: These were bad people,” President Trump stated, defending the move.
However, the decision quickly met legal pushback. A federal judge blocked the deportations, ordering the flights to return to the U.S. But not all did. The White House insists it did not violate the court order, arguing that the judge’s ruling came after the planes had already left U.S. airspace. The administration has since appealed the decision.
Amid the deportation controversy, Trump also defended his economic policies, particularly his aggressive tariff strategy. A new NBC News poll found that 54% of Americans disapprove of his handling of the economy. The president remains undeterred, pointing to reciprocal tariffs on nearly all trading partners, set to take effect in two weeks. “We’re going to be getting back some of the wealth that very, very foolish presidents gave away,” Trump declared.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent downplayed recent stock market declines, calling them a necessary adjustment. “We are resetting, and we are putting things on a sustainable path,” he explained. As economic and immigration debates intensify, Democrats remain divided over how to respond to Trump’s policies. The party’s Senate leadership recently backed a Republican-led funding bill to prevent a government shutdown, deepening fractures within their ranks. “I don’t think you save the republic and save our democracy by playing it straight and maintaining norms when the president is shattering them every single day,” said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT), highlighting the growing divide over how to handle presidential power.
Despite the backlash, Trump’s immigration policies appear to have strong voter support. The NBC News poll found that 55% of respondents approve of his handling of border security and immigration. As the country heads into the midterm elections, voters remain nearly split on which party should control Congress. Additionally, the poll revealed skepticism about government efficiency, with nearly two-thirds of respondents urging Elon Musk and his team to slow down or halt their rapid advancements in various sectors.
