Former President Donald Trump has expressed that he has no intention of deporting Prince Harry, who, alongside his wife Meghan Markle, relocated from Britain to Montecito, California, in 2020. This statement comes amid ongoing scrutiny regarding Prince Harry’s immigration status, particularly following revelations in his memoir, "Spare," where he admitted to past illegal drug use.
In an interview with the New York Post, Trump stated, "I don’t want to do that. I’ll leave him alone. He’s got enough problems with his wife. She’s terrible." This remark highlights the contentious relationship between Trump and Markle, who has previously criticized the former president for his divisive rhetoric.
The controversy surrounding Prince Harry’s immigration status intensified when the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, filed a lawsuit last year against the Department of Homeland Security. The organization is seeking the release of Harry’s immigration records, alleging that he may have misrepresented his past drug use on his immigration forms or received preferential treatment from the government.
In a previous interview, Trump had hinted that appropriate actions would need to be taken if it were found that Harry had lied on his immigration application, although he did not explicitly mention deportation at that time. The Heritage Foundation’s Nile Gardiner has since urged for the release of Harry’s records, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in immigration matters.
U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Nichols recently indicated that he is likely to release Harry’s immigration files, stating that he is required to make public everything that can be disclosed while ensuring compliance with privacy laws. This development is significant, as it could shed light on whether Harry’s past admissions of drug use might affect his immigration status.
Trump’s comments also reflect his ongoing criticism of Markle, whom he labeled as "nasty" during a state visit to the U.K. in 2019. He has continued to express his disdain for her, suggesting that she has caused considerable strife for Prince Harry.
In contrast, Trump praised Prince William, Harry’s brother, calling him a "great young man" during recent interactions. This juxtaposition highlights the ongoing family dynamics and public perceptions surrounding the British royal family, particularly in light of Harry’s decision to step back from royal duties and his subsequent move to the United States.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications for Prince Harry’s immigration status remain uncertain, but the case has certainly drawn attention to the broader issues of immigration policy and the treatment of public figures within that framework.