Trump attacks Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar over immigration critique

President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of Florida Republican Representative Maria Elvira Salazar following the release of a campaign advertisement in which she critiques his immigration enforcement tactics. In the ad, Salazar states that some of the administration’s enforcement efforts have ‘gone too far’ and warns that Hispanic voters who supported Trump in 2024 may feel ‘betrayed.’ She specifically noted that approximately 50% of individuals detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in July had no criminal record.

Trump responded by reposting a series of social media attacks on Truth Social, with users labeling Salazar a ‘backstabber’ and calling for a new Republican to replace her. While Trump stated in the Oval Office that he disagrees with her views and characterized her as having ‘got a little bit soft on the border,’ he also reiterated that he still supports her candidacy.

Salazar, who represents Florida’s 27th District, described a subsequent conversation with the President as ‘very good’ and ‘receptive.’ The political friction occurs as Salazar faces a competitive midterm reelection race in a heavily Hispanic district.