Trump signs executive order targeting ‘benefits for illegal aliens’
GuardianFEB 24
Trump Orders Federal Benefit Cuts for Immigrants
Above: US Pres. Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Feb. 11, 2025. Image copyright: Andrew Harnik/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
This executive order will discourage illegal immigration and save American taxpayers billions of dollars annually. For too long, past administrations ignored the rule of law, but the Trump administration is properly enforcing it. Eventually, illegal immigration won't be a burden on state and local budgets.
Democratic narrative
This order is legally questionable as it violates the 10th Amendment and US Supreme Court precedents limiting federal authority to withhold funding from states. The administration continues to target vulnerable populations who contribute significantly to the economy under the guise of making America great.