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Donald Trump’s ‘Conflicting Signals’ on Immigration Policy Are Confusing Even Some Allies

“It’s not 100% clear to me what the plans are, if there are plans,” Sen. Josh Hawley said. “But I’m very intently watching that space.”

Donald Trump
Alex Brandon/AP

Donald Trump’s campaign is now days into pushing a baseless conspiracy about immigrants stealing pets for food. But it was only weeks ago that he said he would “let a lot of people come in” for tech and farming jobs if he is elected president.

The contrast between the messages, and his own record as president, has been confusing for even some of his supporters in Congress.

“We’re going to let a lot of people come in,” Trump said at a press conference in New Jersey in August. “Especially with AI coming and all the different things, and the farmers need, everybody needs, but we’re going to make sure they’re not murderers and drug dealers.”