Trump Rules Out Deportation of Prince Harry, Criticizes Meghan Markle

President Donald Trump recently made headlines by declaring he has no intention of seeking the deportation of Prince Harry. The Duke of Sussex, who moved to the United States with his wife, Meghan Markle, has drawn attention due to legal issues concerning his immigration status.

Harry’s journey from the United Kingdom to California began in 2020 when he and Markle stepped back from royal duties. Their current residence in Montecito, California, has been the subject of intense scrutiny, particularly after Harry disclosed past drug use in his 2023 memoir titled “Spare.” This revelation prompted the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, to file a lawsuit seeking the release of Harry’s immigration records.

Trump Responds to Deportation Question

In a statement to the New York Post, Trump remarked, “I don’t want to do that. I’ll leave him alone. He’s got enough problems with his wife. She’s terrible.” This comment reflects Trump’s past criticisms of Markle, who has openly criticized him as “misogynistic” and “divisive.”

Historical Context of Criticism

Trump’s disdain for Markle dates back to 2019, during his presidency, when he labeled her “nasty” for her comments regarding him. He met with other members of the royal family during that visit but excluded Markle, who was caring for their newborn son, Archie.

Additionally, in a 2022 interview with Piers Morgan, Trump claimed that Prince Harry was “whipped like no person he had ever seen,” further illustrating the complex dynamics between the former president and the couple.

Legal Concerns Over Immigration Records

The Heritage Foundation’s lawsuit centers on the allegation that Harry may not have disclosed his drug use on his immigration forms or was granted favorable treatment. Nile Gardiner, a representative from the Heritage Foundation, previously commented on the necessity of transparency in this matter, stating, “I’ll be urging the president to release Prince Harry’s immigration records. The president does have that legal authority to do that.”

Gardiner continued, emphasizing that everyone should be held to the same legal standards, asserting, “This is an issue of the rule of law, transparency, and accountability. No one should be above the law. Donald Trump is ushering in a new era of strict border control enforcement. Prince Harry should be held fully accountable for his actions, especially considering his admitted drug use.”

Judicial Response and Immigration Files

In a related development this week, a federal judge indicated that he is likely to unseal Harry’s immigration records following the first hearing in this high-profile case since Trump’s administration took office. U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Nichols expressed on Wednesday that the files should be released “to the maximum extent possible.” He reasoned that his duty is to make public all permissible information while adhering to privacy laws.

Political Implications

During the last presidential campaign, Trump hinted that the government might need to take “appropriate action” if evidence surfaces suggesting Harry misled authorities on his immigration forms. However, he refrained from explicitly stating that he would pursue deportation.

Trump has also accused the Biden administration of providing special treatment to Prince Harry. In a separate interview with the Daily Express, Trump stated, “I wouldn’t protect him. He betrayed the Queen. That’s unforgivable. He would be on his own if it was down to me.” This fierce rhetoric underscores Trump’s assertiveness on immigration matters and his complicated relationship with the British royal family.

Praise for Prince William

Despite his criticisms of Harry and Markle, Trump recently commended Prince William, asserting he is a “great young man.” This praise is especially notable given the ongoing tensions between the two brothers. Trump met with William last December in Paris during the reopening of the Notre Dame cathedral, a symbolic gesture highlighting their shared commitments outside of royal controversies.

The evolving narrative surrounding Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their ties with Trump continues to draw substantial public interest. As legal battles unfold and political rhetoric intensifies, the royal couple remains embroiled in discussions that transcend personal matters and intersect with broader issues of governance and immigration policy.

As this story develops, observers will likely keep a close eye on judicial decisions, as well as how immigration practices may be influenced by Trump’s statements and actions. Understanding this complex interplay requires a keen awareness of the historical and political elements at play.

This report draws on contributions from various news sources.