Trump Admits Struggles Finding Balance on Immigration, Claims Credit for Latin Economy

President Donald Trump acknowledged on September 30, 2026, during a reception for Hispanic Heritage Month at the White House, that he finds it difficult to find a balance on immigration issues. Before Hispanic leaders gathered in Washington, he also sought electoral support and argued that his administration has not properly communicated its economic results.

What Did Trump Say About Immigration?

During the event in the East Room of the White House, Trump described immigration policy as one of his most difficult tasks. «They tell you that you’re too tough or too soft. Be tougher, be softer,» he said, according to The Hill.

The president defended his administration’s measures and claimed that no one had entered the country without authorization during the last 17 months. This is a Trump assertion, not a conclusion that can be drawn from border data cited in the report.

The Hill noted that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recorded more than 12,000 crossings at the southwestern border in August. The official CBP statistic accounts for encounters with authorities; by itself, it does not allow determining how many people were able to remain in the country.

The president’s words also do not change immigration procedures. A person facing possible deportation may have circumstances and protection requests that require individual evaluation. A statement at a political event does not replace an order or decision on a specific case.

What Did He Admit About the Economy?

Trump said his administration had done «a very bad job» explaining its economic results. According to Reuters, he insisted the country is doing better than ever and attributed some of the lack of recognition to insufficient promotion.