NEW: Bernie Sanders Praises Trump’s Border Policies
In a surprising moment during an interview on ABC’s This Week, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) acknowledged that President Donald Trump was right to focus on securing the U.S.-Mexico border and cracking down on fentanyl trafficking.
Asked directly by host Jonathan Karl if there was anything he thought President Trump had done right, Sanders responded, “Yeah, I think cracking down on fentanyl, making sure our borders are stronger. Look, nobody thinks illegal immigration is appropriate.”
The comment, coming from one of the most progressive members of Congress, stands in contrast to the Democratic Party’s broader stance on immigration in recent years. The Biden administration had struggled with record-high levels of illegal crossings, sparking criticism from both Republicans and moderate Democrats who argue that former policies exacerbated the crisis.
Sanders’ remarks highlight a growing concern within the Democratic Party over the border crisis. While he emphasized the need for comprehensive immigration reform, his agreement with Trump’s approach to border security signals a shift, or at the very least, an acknowledgment that the issue cannot be ignored.
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The criticism echoes concerns from moderate Democrats, who worried that the border crisis would hurt the party in the 2024 elections. The reality of mass illegal crossings, overwhelmed border towns, and the rise of fentanyl trafficking have now forced some within the party to acknowledge the failures of the Biden administration’s approach.
Sanders’ remarks are likely to frustrate many in the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, who continue to push for more lenient immigration policies. However, they also reflect a political reality: Americans across the political spectrum are demanding action on border security.
His comments could also create tension within Democratic leadership, particularly with figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), who has taken a hardline stance against Trump-era immigration policies. Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez have been touring the country on their Fighting Oligarchy tour, where they have drawn large crowds of progressive supporters.
Denver, Colorado – USA – 03-21-25: Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez embrace while speaking to a crowd of over 30,000 people at Civic Center Park as part of “The Fight”
While the tour has focused on economic inequality and attacking Trump’s influence, Sanders’ unexpected support for stronger borders could create internal friction.
“Nobody’s running for office. That tells you something,” Sanders told ABC News, emphasizing the grassroots nature of the event. The rally was part of what he calls the “Fighting Oligarchy Tour,” where he warns against former President Donald Trump’s influence, saying, “We will not allow America to become an oligarchy.”
Sanders also took aim at the Democratic Party, acknowledging its shortcomings. “Democrats have turned their backs on the working class of this country,” he said. He singled out Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), saying the passage of recent legislation to prevent government shutdown was “an absolute failure of Democratic leadership.”
Meanwhile, speculation about Ocasio-Cortez challenging Schumer in a future primary race grew, though Sanders avoided addressing it directly, instead praising AOC as “extraordinary” and a leader who “inspires young people all over the country.”
When asked if he would run for president again, Sanders deflected, stating, “I am 83 years of age, so… and I’m tired.” The interview ended abruptly when pressed about AOC’s potential Senate bid, with Sanders dismissing it as “inside the Beltway stuff.”