Donald Trump sparked outrage when he publicly questioned the immigration status of workers during a White House photo op, joking that their "whole life will be destroyed" if they're undocumented.
On Wednesday morning, Trump held a media event on the South Lawn to commemorate the installation of two new flagpoles on the North and South Lawns of the White House, Mediaite reported.
"It is my Great Honor to announce that I will be putting up two beautiful Flag Poles on both sides of the White House, North and South Lawns," Trump said on Tuesday.
In recent weeks, the president and his allies have oscillated on immigration enforcement priorities, particularly concerning labor forces in agriculture and hospitality. When asked by a Fox News reporter on live television about his stance on deportations, Trump veered off topic and turned to the workers installing the flagpoles beside him.
"Any illegal immigrants in there? No? If they were, they'll find out," he said with a smirk, before warning the group that being present at the press event might lead to their lives being "destroyed."
Trump asks the flag pole crew if any of them are an illegal immigrant 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/nxRNRR7BPa
— Jessica 🇺🇸 (@RealJessica05) June 18, 2025
The moment, which was caught on camera, prompted laughter from some workers, though the broader reaction online was swift condemnation.
Trump continued, "They'll be checking you, you won't believe. Your whole life will be destroyed because of this press conference." He followed up with, "Don't worry, I think you're going to be okay. I'll be right behind you... Far behind you," prompting more uneasy laughter.
Originally published on Latin Times
