A Bold Announcement on Truth Social
Former President Donald Trump has ignited controversy with his latest Truth Social post. He announced plans for a new U.S. census that excludes undocumented immigrants—a move critics call “sickening” and legally questionable.
“I have instructed our Department of Commerce to immediately begin work on a new and highly accurate CENSUS… People who are in our Country illegally WILL NOT BE COUNTED,” Trump declared.
Why This Matters
The U.S. Constitution mandates a national census every 10 years. It includes all residents—citizens and non-citizens alike—and plays a critical role in:
-
Allocating seats in the House of Representatives
-
Distributing billions in federal funding
-
Supporting infrastructure planning and local services
Critics argue that excluding undocumented immigrants not only violates the Constitution, but also risks undermining critical data used across government and business sectors.
Expert Reactions and Public Backlash
Trump’s announcement has triggered strong reactions. One professional who relies on census data said,
“I figured it was only a matter of time before he came for it. This is infuriating and sickening.”
Supporters Call It a Move for “Voter Integrity”
Despite the backlash, some supporters praised the proposal.
“A new census count with ONLY U.S. citizens is essential,” wrote one user on X.
Another added, “Protecting elections means counting only citizens.”
The Numbers: How Many Are Undocumented?
The 2020 census reported a U.S. population of over 331 million, without distinguishing between legal and undocumented residents. According to Pew Research Center, the undocumented population stood at 11 million in 2022, down from 12.2 million in 2007.
What’s Next?
Trump’s plan to exclude undocumented individuals from the census faces major constitutional hurdles and intense political resistance. While it may appeal to his base, the broader implications—both legal and societal—are likely to fuel ongoing debate.
