The decision by Maria Elvira Salazar to openly challenge Donald Trump over his immigration policies has sparked a significant backlash among conservative figures. There are even calls for the former president to withdraw his endorsement of the Cuban-American congresswoman's re-election bid in Florida.
Tomi Lahren, a conservative commentator and co-host on Fox News, urged Trump on Thursday to rescind his support for Salazar following the release of her campaign ad criticizing the administration's immigration measures as excessive. "This is an absolute betrayal to Trump and his 77 million voters. President Trump should immediately revoke all support and endorsements for this woman," Lahren wrote on social media, sharing the controversial video.
The uproar followed Salazar's release of a 30-second campaign ad, filmed in both English and Spanish in front of the White House, as she seeks a fourth term in Florida's 27th District. "Mr. President, some of your efforts to enforce immigration laws have gone too far," Salazar states in the ad.
The congresswoman claims that in July, around 50,000 people were detained, half of whom had no criminal records. "Be wary of what your advisors tell you about immigration policy. The same Hispanics who helped you reach the White House in 2024 now feel betrayed," she added.
This represents an unusual confrontation with Trump from a Republican congresswoman who has received his backing. In February, Trump gave her his "Complete and Total Endorsement" for re-election, support that some within his own base now urge him to retract.
Conservative Voices Criticize Salazar
Tomi Lahren isn't the only conservative voice to question Salazar. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene previously labeled Trump's endorsement of the Cuban-American as an "insult to his base," while activist Laura Loomer has also criticized the Miami representative for her immigration stance.
Immigration has become a major point of contention between Salazar and the White House. In December 2025, the congresswoman deemed the immigration pause imposed on citizens from Cuba and 18 other countries as "anti-American."
Salazar is also the main advocate for the Dignity Act, a bipartisan immigration reform initiative that offers a mechanism for certain undocumented immigrants to stay and work in the U.S. without providing a direct path to citizenship. The proposal has bipartisan support but is criticized by conservative sectors who see it as a form of amnesty, a characterization Salazar disputes.
Electoral Battle in Florida's 27th District
The confrontation surfaces as the Republican faces a heated re-election campaign against Eliott Rodríguez, a Cuban-American Democrat and former CBS Miami anchor. The 27th District, which covers part of Miami-Dade, has a population that is nearly 74% Hispanic, putting immigration policy at the forefront of the race.
An internal Bendixen & Amandi poll released this week shows Salazar and Rodríguez tied at 45% among likely voters.
Salazar's ad has gained national attention as it comes just weeks ahead of the November 3rd midterm elections, while other Republicans in competitive districts also grapple with tensions surrounding the implementation of Trump's immigration policies.
Key Questions on Maria Elvira Salazar's Political Stance
What sparked the backlash against Maria Elvira Salazar?
Salazar's public criticism of Donald Trump's immigration policies, described as excessive, has led to a strong reaction among conservative figures who feel it betrays Trump's base.
What is the Dignity Act?
The Dignity Act is a bipartisan immigration reform proposal spearheaded by Salazar, which allows certain undocumented immigrants to stay and work in the U.S. without offering a direct path to citizenship.
Who is Maria Elvira Salazar's main opponent in the upcoming election?
Salazar's main rival is Eliott Rodríguez, a Cuban-American Democrat and former CBS Miami anchor, competing in Florida's 27th District.