WASHINGTON — On Wednesday, former U.S. President Donald Trump made light of immigration issues during a press conference on the White House lawn. The moment came as he addressed a group of construction workers who had just finished installing two large flagpoles at his request.
Standing before reporters at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Trump was asked about his administration’s immigration policies, particularly regarding deportation. He replied, “We’re taking them out by the thousands. Murderers, drug dealers, people that are mentally insane, from insane asylums.”
Trump then shifted his attention to the workers standing behind him, all wearing hard hats. “Do we have anybody here who’s a member of — no, I don’t think so,” he said. “You’ve known these people for a long time?” Then he asked, “Any illegal immigrants?”
As the workers shook their heads, some with awkward smiles, Trump added, “If there were, we’ll find out.”
He continued, partly in jest, “Your whole life will be destroyed because of this press conference. They’ll destroy these people. I didn’t want to tell them that before they stood up.” Smiling, he assured them, “Don’t worry, I think you’re gonna be OK.”
New Flagpoles Installed on North and South Lawns
The comments came after the group completed work on two towering flagpoles, each standing 88 feet tall. One was placed on the White House’s North Lawn and the other on the South Lawn. Trump had personally requested the additions.
A day earlier, Trump had announced the project on social media. He described the flagpoles as “a gift from me to the White House,” calling them “the most magnificent poles made.” He praised their height, tapered shape, internal rope system, and rust-resistant materials, claiming the White House had “always been missing” such structures.
Remarks Come Amid Renewed Immigration Crackdown
Trump’s remarks took place against the backdrop of an escalating immigration enforcement effort by his administration. Over the weekend, he directed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to increase operations in several major cities.
“To achieve this, we must expand efforts to detain and deport illegal aliens in America’s largest cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, where millions upon millions of illegal aliens reside,” Trump wrote online.
As part of his 2025 policy platform, Trump has promised the largest deportation initiative in U.S. history if re-elected. His agenda includes widespread immigration raids and expanded detention programs, reinforcing his administration’s hardline stance on undocumented immigration.
