Former U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that he has no intention of deporting Prince Harry, despite the ongoing legal battle over the royal’s immigration status.
In a recent interview with the New York Post, Trump addressed the controversy surrounding Harry’s U.S. visa application and the claims that he may have concealed past drug use.
While Trump expressed indifference toward Harry’s situation,
he took the opportunity to criticize Meghan Markle, calling her “terrible” and implying that Harry already has enough troubles.
Prince Harry’s Immigration Battle
Prince Harry’s visa status has come under scrutiny following revelations in his memoir, Spare, in which he openly admitted to drug use, including cocaine, cannabis, and psychedelic mushrooms.
The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, has argued that Harry may have received special treatment when applying for a visa under President Joe Biden’s administration.
U.S. immigration law typically bars individuals who admit to drug use from obtaining a visa. However, applicants can apply for waivers, and it remains unclear whether Harry disclosed his past drug use during the application process. The Heritage Foundation has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), seeking to make Harry’s immigration records public. The group contends that the public has a right to know whether the Duke of Sussex received any preferential treatment.
The DHS has so far resisted these efforts, citing privacy laws. However, a recent ruling by Judge Carl Nichols has signaled that portions of Harry’s visa records may be made public after certain redactions. This has only intensified speculation over whether the prince complied with U.S. immigration laws.
Trump’s Change of Stance
Trump’s latest remarks suggest a shift in his position on the matter. In March 2023, he had hinted at the possibility of deportation if it was discovered that Harry had lied on his visa application. At the time, he told GB News, “We’ll have to see if they know something about the drugs, and if he lied, they’ll have to take appropriate action.”
However, in his recent interview with the New York Post, Trump appeared to take a more lenient stance, stating, “I don’t want to do that. I’ll leave him alone.”
While he refrained from pushing for Harry’s removal from the U.S., he didn’t hold back when it came to Meghan Markle, stating, “He’s got enough problems with his wife. She’s terrible.” Trump has previously been critical of Meghan, accusing her of disrespecting the royal family and having a negative influence on Harry.
Prince Harry’s Residency and Future in the U.S.
Since stepping down from royal duties in 2020, Harry has made California his home with Meghan and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. While his exact immigration status remains undisclosed, reports have speculated that he may be on an O-1 visa, typically granted to individuals with “extraordinary ability” in their field. Another possibility is that he could have received a diplomatic visa, which might have exempted him from the standard vetting process for past drug use.
In 2023, Harry acknowledged that he had considered applying for U.S. citizenship but stated that it wasn’t a priority for him at the time. Meanwhile, legal experts have noted that if Harry did misrepresent any details on his visa application, he could potentially face consequences, including deportation.
A Political Issue?
The case has become a political flashpoint, with conservative groups using it to criticize the Biden administration. Nile Gardiner, a spokesperson for the Heritage Foundation, has called for greater transparency, stating, “We are pushing for the Trump administration to release the records, and we have urged President Trump to release the records. We hope that with a new president, there will be full transparency.”
While Trump’s recent comments suggest he has no plans to personally pursue the matter, the debate over Harry’s immigration status is unlikely to fade anytime soon. As legal proceedings continue, questions remain over whether the Duke of Sussex received special treatment—and whether this issue will be used as a political weapon in the upcoming election cycle.
Trump Praises Prince William
While Trump was dismissive of Harry and critical of Meghan, he had kinder words for Prince William. Reflecting on his meeting with the Prince of Wales in Paris last year, Trump described him as a “great young man.” His praise for William further highlights the divide in public perception between the two royal brothers.
Conclusion
As Prince Harry’s immigration status remains under legal scrutiny, Trump’s latest comments indicate that, for now, he is not interested in pursuing the matter. However, his criticism of Meghan Markle underscores his long-standing disapproval of the Duchess of Sussex. Whether or not the legal battle over Harry’s visa leads to further revelations, the controversy surrounding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex continues to be a topic of intense public debate.
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