President Donald Trump criticized the use of taxpayer funds to house migrants in “luxury hotels” while many American citizens struggle to afford basic necessities during a trip back to the United States from Scotland. The remarks came after a reporter questioned Trump about mass migration to the United Kingdom, prompting him to compare the situation to Florida’s detention center in the Evergland. Trump also pointed out that illegal immigrants in some U.S. states have been housed in high-end hotels, costing thousands of dollars per night, while other Americans, including veterans, live in poverty. The comments drew criticism from Democrats, who recently proposed plans to house illegal migrants in military bases in New Jersey and Indiana.
During his remarks, Trump referenced the “Alligator Alcatraz” in Florida, a detention center for illegal immigrants in the Everglades. He emphasized the contradiction of spending on luxury accommodations for migrants while others live in poverty. The issue has sparked significant debate, with some critics calling for more cost-effective solutions. Meanwhile, New York City has spent billions on migrant housing, with the Roosevelt Hotel serving as a major shelter linked to gang activity and under investigation. The Justice Department has opened an inquiry into the hotel, which is owned by the government of Pakistan. With the city accommodating over 232,000 migrants since the spring of 2022, the financial burden has raised concerns about sustainability and efficiency.
Democratic lawmakers have expressed frustration over the situation, citing the high cost of taxpayer money spent on migrant housing. The proposed plans to use military bases in New Jersey and Indiana reflect a growing political divide over how to manage migration and allocate public resources. As the debate continues, the issue remains a flashpoint in national discussions about immigration policy and the use of public funds. The remarks by Trump have further intensified the discourse, highlighting the political and ethical dimensions of the crisis.