In mid-September 2026, Rep. María Elvira Salazar, a Miami Republican in a tough reelection race, released a campaign ad speaking directly to Trump: “Mr. President, some of your immigration enforcement efforts have gone too far,” and, “The same Hispanics who helped you get to the White House in 2024 feel betrayed today.” In the ad she cited figures she said show that half the people ICE detained in July “had no criminal record,” CNN reported.
Asked about it in the Oval Office on September 18, Trump said, “I disagree with her,” and, per Townhall, “I'm very strong on the borders, and she isn't. And she's a nice person. I got her elected. Without me, she wouldn't have gotten elected.” The Miami Herald reported he also said, “Maria won only because of me.” Salazar told CBS's “Face the Nation” that Trump had been “very receptive” when they spoke afterward.
On the evening of Saturday, September 26, Trump shared on Truth Social at least 14 posts from other users criticizing her, CNN reported. One read, “She is nothing but a back stabber. I'm glad the Latino support hasn't wavered.” Another: “So we need a NEW Republican to Replace Salazar.” The words were other users'; the decision to amplify them was his. A White House official said, “It's unfortunate she has her view, but that is not the President's,” and did not say whether his endorsement of her still stands, according to CNN and Politico.
The same day, Trump posted that reports that Rep. Byron Donalds had removed him from his campaign website and materials were a “Fake Story”; see Trump Bans CNN, MS NOW and Politico From the White House, and the Next Morning the Secret Service Took Their Reporters' Badges for what that post said about the press.