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'This is war' - Trump defends use of Alien Enemies Act in deportation of Venezuelans

U.S. President Donald Trump has defended his administration's use of the Alien Enemies Act's wartime powers to rapidly deport over 200 alleged members of Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang linked to kidnapping, extortion, and contract killings. The deportation proceeded despite a court order by Judge James Boasberg blocking it, with the administration arguing that the judge lacked the authority to intervene. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump justified the action by comparing the rise in immigration to wartime conditions, emphasizing the deportees were "bad people" now incarcerated in El Salvador. During the same flight from Florida to Washington, Trump also reaffirmed his commitment to imposing tariffs starting April 2, despite market disruptions and economic concerns. He stressed his stance on reciprocal tariffs, stating, "They charge us and we charge them," and confirmed additional tariffs on autos, steel, and aluminum.

first published: Mar 17, 2025 04:30 pm