President Donald Trump received unexpected praise this week from one of the Senate’s most left-leaning members over his handling of U.S. border security — a topic that has defined much of the national debate in recent years.
During a wide-ranging appearance on The Tim Dillon Show, independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont acknowledged that President Trump’s administration has done a “better job” securing the southern border than President Joe Biden’s did, calling border integrity “a basic requirement of any functioning nation.”
“So long as we have nation-states, you’ve got to have borders,” Sanders said during the discussion. “If you don’t have borders, then you don’t have a nation.”
He continued:
“Trump did a better job. I don’t like Trump, you know, but we should have a secure border, and it ain’t that hard to do.”
The remarks, broadcast on Wednesday, have quickly gone viral across multiple platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and TikTok. For Sanders — a figure often seen as the ideological anchor of the American left — the statement marked a striking departure from his party’s long-standing rhetoric around immigration and border enforcement.
A Rare Moment of Agreement
Sanders’ comments immediately drew attention across the political spectrum. The Republican National Committee’s research division reposted the clip within hours, labeling it “a rare moment of honesty” from one of the Senate’s most progressive voices.
Even among Democrats, Sanders’ remarks sparked quiet acknowledgment that border security remains one of the most politically challenging issues for the party, particularly after years of surging migrant crossings and humanitarian strain along the U.S.–Mexico border.
While Sanders made clear that he remains opposed to many of Trump’s policies, he said he believes Democrats must accept the reality that a functioning border system requires firm enforcement.
“You can have compassion for people, you can support humane treatment, you can support asylum laws — but you also have to have control,” Sanders said. “That’s not a conservative idea; that’s common sense.”
According to a transcript shared by the podcast, Sanders blamed both major political parties for what he called “decades of avoidance” on immigration reform.
“The truth is, for years, both sides have played politics with this issue,” he said. “Republicans talk about the border when it’s convenient, Democrats look the other way when it’s not. But the working class pays the price.”
Comparing Two Presidencies
Sanders’ remarks come amid record-setting numbers of illegal border crossings in recent years. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, there were more than 2.47 million migrant encounters in fiscal year 2023 — the highest figure ever recorded. By contrast, the final year of Trump’s first term saw approximately 458,000 encounters, a level not seen since the early 1970s.
Analysts have attributed the difference to a range of factors, including policy shifts, enforcement strategy, and global migration trends. Still, many observers say the contrast between the two administrations is stark.
During his first term, President Trump implemented policies aimed at deterrence, including the “Remain in Mexico” program, construction of new border barriers, and expanded coordination with Mexico’s federal police and military. While those measures were controversial, many within law enforcement credited them with reducing illegal entries and improving operational control.
Sanders, who campaigned in 2020 on an immigration platform that prioritized legal pathways and humanitarian relief, had previously criticized such policies. His comments this week, however, suggest a recognition that border stability is directly tied to public confidence in government.
“We’ve got the technology, we’ve got the manpower, we know how to do it,” Sanders said. “It’s about political will — that’s what’s been missing.”
Political Repercussions
Within hours of the interview airing, Sanders’ remarks were being replayed across cable networks and social media feeds. The conversation immediately reignited debate over the direction of the Democratic Party’s immigration agenda.
Progressive activists appeared divided. Some praised Sanders for his honesty, while others accused him of undermining efforts to push for comprehensive reform.
Immigration advocacy groups such as America’s Voice and United We Dream released statements reiterating their support for humanitarian protections and criticized both Trump-era and Biden-era enforcement policies.
Meanwhile, Republicans seized on Sanders’ comments as validation of their own arguments that border control is not a partisan issue but a matter of national security.
“Even Bernie Sanders sees what’s going on,” said one GOP strategist familiar with the Trump campaign’s messaging. “That tells you everything you need to know about how bad things got under the last administration.”
Trump Administration’s Renewed Emphasis
President Trump has recently restructured parts of his administration’s immigration apparatus as part of a wider initiative to reinforce border infrastructure and reduce illegal crossings. Earlier this year, he reappointed Tom Homan, the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as his administration’s Border Czar.
Homan, who previously served in the same capacity during Trump’s first term, has become one of the most vocal advocates for strict border enforcement and human rights accountability related to migrant smuggling.
In an interview on The Alex Marlow Show earlier this month, Homan discussed the renewed focus on dismantling human trafficking networks and holding foreign cartels accountable.
“If they held the dead children I’ve held, talked to little girls as young as nine who were raped multiple times by handlers, stood on the back of a tractor-trailer when 19 people baked to death — including a five-year-old boy — they’d understand what’s really happening,” Homan said.
He added that the administration’s current policies were designed not just to enforce immigration law, but also to prevent the humanitarian tragedies often associated with human smuggling operations.
“This isn’t about cruelty or politics,” Homan said. “It’s about saving lives and protecting the sovereignty of our country.”
Historical Context
Sanders’ comments also reflect a broader shift in the way progressives discuss immigration policy. During his 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns, Sanders was often critical of so-called “open borders” rhetoric, arguing that unlimited immigration would drive down wages for working-class Americans.
Still, he often stopped short of endorsing stronger physical or legal enforcement measures, instead focusing on reform and foreign aid to address the “root causes” of migration.
His latest remarks represent a more pragmatic tone — acknowledging that enforcement and compassion can coexist.
“We can secure the border and treat people with dignity,” Sanders said. “Those things are not mutually exclusive.”
Political analysts say Sanders’ shift could indicate a growing recognition among progressives that immigration, once considered a reliably left-leaning issue, has become a political vulnerability.
A 2024 Pew Research Center survey found that 67 percent of Americans — including 45 percent of Democrats — said the U.S. government was doing a “poor job” managing the situation at the border.
A Broader Debate About Sovereignty
The discussion has implications beyond the current election cycle. Trump administration officials argue that restoring control at the border is essential to maintaining national sovereignty, combating human trafficking, and protecting U.S. workers.
Critics, meanwhile, warn that overly strict measures could harm the country’s reputation as a refuge for those fleeing persecution.
For Sanders, the balance appears to lie somewhere in the middle — an acknowledgment that policy rooted only in ideals or politics cannot sustain public confidence.
“You can’t govern from slogans,” he said. “You govern by solving problems. People want safety, they want fairness, and they want to know someone is in charge.”
As debate over immigration continues in Congress, Sanders’ remarks could embolden centrist Democrats to push for stronger enforcement measures, potentially aligning with some elements of the Trump administration’s approach — an unusual development in today’s polarized political climate.
For President Trump, the exchange represents an uncommon moment of agreement with one of his most outspoken critics — and a sign that the conversation around border security may be shifting in unexpected ways.
Sarah Mitchell is a bestselling novelist recognized for her insightful and emotionally resonant stories that explore the complexities of human relationships. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Sarah grew up in a family of teachers who nurtured her curiosity and love for storytelling. She studied psychology at Stanford University, where she became fascinated by the intricacies of human behavior—an interest that would later shape her writing career. Sarah’s novels are praised for their nuanced characters, intricate plots, and ability to capture the subtle tensions that define love, friendship, and family ties. Her breakthrough novel, The Spaces Between Us, became an instant bestseller, lauded for its honest portrayal of strained family relationships and the fragile bonds that hold people together. Since then, she has published several works that continue to captivate audiences around the world. Outside of her writing career, Sarah is passionate about mental health advocacy and often partners with organizations to promote awareness and support for those struggling with emotional well-being. Her personal life is quieter—she enjoys hiking in the Colorado mountains, practicing yoga, and spending time with close friends. With each new book, Sarah Mitchell cements her reputation as a writer who illuminates the beauty and struggles of human connection.
