Congresswoman Maxine Waters stirred controversy during an anti-Doge cryptocurrency rally after suggesting that former President Donald Trump should deport his wife, Melania Trump. Waters made the remark while criticizing Trump’s immigration policies, drawing attention to the former first lady’s foreign-born status.
In her speech, Waters appeared to confuse the concept of birthright citizenship, implying that Melania Trump’s immigration status could warrant deportation. The comment quickly drew backlash from critics who accused Waters of targeting the former first lady based on her nationality.
Melania Trump, originally from Slovenia, became a U.S. citizen in 2006, several years before Donald Trump took office. Her legal status has not been in question. Waters’ remarks sparked immediate criticism from political opponents and immigration advocates, who called the suggestion inappropriate and factually incorrect.
Waters, a vocal critic of Trump, used the rally to denounce his past immigration policies and accused him of hypocrisy. However, her reference to Melania Trump overshadowed the event, fueling debate over the use of personal attacks in political discourse.
The incident adds to the ongoing friction between Waters and the former president, with the latest exchange reigniting partisan tensions over immigration and political rhetoric. Waters has not issued further clarification or retraction following the remarks.