President Donald Trump has ordered the Department of Commerce to start working on a new census that will not include individuals in the U.S. illegally, as announced in a Truth Social post. The directive was accompanied by a statement in which Trump emphasized the need for modern data and the outcomes of the 2024 presidential election to ensure accuracy in the population count. The decision has sparked debates over the implications for demographic data and the counting process.
The proposed census change comes amid ongoing discussions about immigration policy and the impact of population counts on federal funding and representation. Advocacy groups have expressed concerns about the potential consequences for communities dependent on census data for resources and services. The White House has not yet provided details on the timeline or methodology for the new census, which could have significant implications for the country’s demographic and political landscape.
As the debate continues, experts are calling for transparency in the process, emphasizing the importance of accurate and inclusive census data for national planning and policy-making. The move has also raised questions about the role of executive authority in shaping such a critical national survey, with legal experts cautioning about the potential for challenges from civil rights organizations.