National Review Editor on Misreading Politics of Illegal Immigration and University Funding

Democrats' Political Miscalculation on Immigration

• 🎯 Democrats are accused of a "complete misreading of the politics" by rallying around a deported illegal migrant with alleged MS-13 ties.
• ⚠️ This issue is seen as a trap of their own making, alienating voters across the political spectrum, including independents, Democrats, Black, and Hispanic voters.
• 🔑 The primary reason for this alienation is the illegal immigration issue, which has directly impacted Americans through violence, crime, and fentanyl.
• 💡 The narrative that Democrats care about victims or working people is dismissed, with the focus being on maintaining power and controlling the Latino and Black communities.

Rich Lowry's Perspective on Immigration Politics

• 🧠 Rich Lowry states that Hispanics and African-Americans do not favor illegal immigration, making it a potent issue for President Trump and Republicans.
• 🚫 He criticizes the effort to portray the deported migrant as a heroic figure, emphasizing that he should not have been in the U.S. and may indeed be a member of MS-13.
• 🎣 The administration is seen as favoring this fight, wanting Democrats to be associated with a "dubious guy" and a potential gang member.

Scrutiny of University Tax-Exempt Status

• 🎓 The discussion shifts to President Trump questioning the tax-exempt status of Columbia University and Princeton, and the Education Department requesting records from Harvard.
• 💰 Universities are criticized for accepting federal money while possessing vast endowments, and for succumbing to consent decrees from previous administrations.
• 🏛️ Past administrations, particularly Obama and Biden, are cited for using funding to impose preferred policies, such as on due process and gender ideology.
• 💡 Suggestions for Congress include owning IP for federal grants, hiking taxes on endowments, and capping student loans for graduate programs.