Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar of Florida has released a campaign ad criticizing President Trump's immigration enforcement measures, signaling a growing rift within the Republican Party. The ad, which highlights tensions between Trump and Latino voters, comes as the president's approval ratings continue to decline ahead of the November midterms.
The 30-second ad, recorded in both English and Spanish, warns that Trump's immigration policies have alienated some of the same Hispanic voters who supported him in the 2024 election. Salazar, a Republican running for re-election in a competitive district, is part of a broader trend among Republicans distancing themselves from Trump as the midterm elections approach.
Analysts note that Salazar's ad reflects a shift in Republican strategy, with some lawmakers seeking to differentiate themselves from the president amid declining support. The ad underscores a key issue for Latino voters, who have become increasingly frustrated with the administration's immigration policies, according to recent polling.
The ad does not directly blame Trump but instead urges voters to be cautious of immigration advisers, a message that aligns with growing concerns among Latino voters. This move comes as the Trump administration scales back some enforcement operations but continues with high deportation rates, raising questions about the party's future control of Congress.