President Donald Trump took to Truth Social on Saturday to share a series of social‑media posts that lambasted Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R‑FL) for her recent criticism of the administration’s immigration enforcement. The reposts, at least fourteen in number, came after Salazar aired a new campaign ad warning that the president’s hard‑line border policies were alienating Hispanic voters in her district.

Trump’s Response to Salazar’s Immigration Warning

In a brief Oval Office interview, President Trump confirmed he had seen Salazar’s ad but emphasized that he still supports the congresswoman. “I disagree with her,” Trump said, adding that Salazar had become “a little bit soft on the border” and would not have won her seat without his endorsement.

Critics’ Posts Highlight Party Tensions

The posts Trump amplified included remarks such as, “She is nothing but a back stabber. I’m glad the Latino support hasn’t wavered,” and, “She wants amnesty for the ppl how criminally crossed our borders defying our laws.” Another user called for a “NEW Republican to Replace Salazar.” By sharing these comments, Trump underscored the growing divide within the GOP over immigration policy.

Salazar’s Position and Voter Concerns

Salazar, who represents a heavily Hispanic district in South Florida, argued that 50% of those detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in July had no criminal record. She told Face the Nation that she had a “very good conversation” with the president after the ad aired and described him as “very receptive” to her concerns that Hispanic voters feel “betrayed” ahead of the midterms.

Immigration Enforcement Numbers

ICE arrests have surged this summer, with roughly 51,000 people taken into custody in August—a record high for the second Trump administration—surpassing the 46,000 arrests recorded in July. These figures illustrate the administration’s continued focus on securing the border, a priority that remains central to President Trump’s agenda.

Implications for the Midterm Race

Salazar faces a competitive reelection battle in Florida as the Republican Party’s overall midterm prospects wane. While Trump’s public backing may bolster her campaign among core supporters, the internal criticism highlighted by the reposted comments signals a potential challenge for the party’s unity on immigration policy.

What This Means for Voters

Florida’s Hispanic electorate is watching closely as the debate over border security and immigration enforcement intensifies. The president’s willingness to defend Salazar while also allowing dissenting voices to surface reflects a broader strategy of emphasizing strong border measures while managing intra‑party disagreements.

As the midterm season approaches, both the Trump administration and GOP candidates will need to balance firm immigration enforcement with outreach to Hispanic voters who feel the impact of these policies most directly.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.