Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (N.Y.) told CNN that her district isn't happy with President Donald Trump's immigration raids and his proposed war with Europe.
Speaking on Tuesday, Malliotakis agreed with other lawmakers that Americans wanted to see criminals in the U.S. illegally be shipped out, but they didn't want those removed who have long been part of the community.
"People don'twant to see some of the waysthat immigration is being handledhandled," she told host John Berman. "For example, you know,when we have temporaryprotective status for Haitiancommunities that arecontributing to our health caresystem here in my district, Ihave concerns that our nursinghomes are going to loseemployees come February 3rd. Sothere's things that need to bedone, I think, in a balancedmanner."
She hedged her criticism saying that Trump has done some good things over prescription drug prices, but that he needs to return to handling the economy rather than focusing on invading other countries.
"I don't think it's apriority, and that's kind ofwhat I'm trying to say here, isthat we need to focus on thethings that we've donesuccessfully, like loweringtaxes, bringing down inflationrates, mortgage rates. You havegas prices are down about $2.80here in my district. These arethings that people want to seeand we're delivering on that.But when you focus on thingslike Greenland in a way thatcould be a hostile, I think thatthat takes away from thesuccesses," Malliotakis explained.
She thinks that going after some of the immigrants doing jobs Americans are key pieces to a stable economy.
"But we need to stay again, stay focused. I wouldn't focus if I were him as much on Greenland. But if I understand his strategic posturing here, it is critical for shipping lanes, for critical minerals. But it needs to be done in a diplomatic way, not with threats," she added.
The U.S. already has a defense agreement with Greenland giving access to shipping lanes and national security. The U.S. also has a Space Force base on the Arctic island, allowing for whatever programs Trump wants to start.