President Donald Trump is contemplating the use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a federal law that grants him the authority to expedite the deportations of certain immigrant groups. This move has sparked widespread criticism due to its historical use during World Wars I and II, where it targeted German, Austro-Hungarian, Japanese, and Italian immigrants based solely on their ancestry. Trump's consideration of this law, initially proposed during his campaign last year, has reignited debates over civil rights and immigration policies.
The Alien Enemies Act has been under scrutiny for potentially violating the right to be free from indefinite civil detention, a principle upheld by the Supreme Court in its 2001 Zadvydas v. Davis decision. Critics argue that the law's application could unfairly target immigrants based on their ancestry, echoing past misuses during wartime. The U.S. military is reportedly considering employing this law to detain immigrants, raising further concerns about civil rights violations.
Amidst these developments, President Trump's overall job approval rating stands at 45%, with a disapproval rate of 54%. However, his handling of immigration has seen a slight increase in approval, with 51% of Americans supporting his efforts—a 7% rise from any point during his first term. Despite this, Trump's economic strategies, particularly his tariff-heavy approach, have faced significant disapproval from the public. A majority of 56% disapproves of his management of the economy, marking a decline from earlier in his presidency.
Trump's tariffs on major U.S. trading partners, including the European Union (EU), have led to retaliatory measures affecting American industries. The EU has imposed levies on American whiskey in response to Trump's tariffs on aluminum and steel imports. The proposed tariffs aimed at the EU's alcoholic beverage industry, particularly targeting France's renowned vineyards, have further strained trade relations.