Former President Donald Trump, during a town hall event with Univision, reportedly adopted a softer tone than in his previous appearances. However, he also allegedly perpetuated misleading or false claims about immigration policy and migrants, a frequent focus of his rhetoric during his presidency. While Trump appeared to be more moderate in his approach during the town hall, critics argue that his continued spread of inaccurate information undermines any perceived change in demeanor. Trump has been known for making far-reaching claims about immigrants, particularly those from Latin American countries, often associating them with criminal activity or suggesting they pose significant drains on the U.S. economy. These claims have been largely debunked by numerous studies, which show that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than native-born citizens, and actually contribute significantly to the U.S. economy. Despite these inaccuracies, Trump’s messaging resonates with a significant portion of his base who believe in stricter immigration policies. His approach during the Univision town hall suggests that he may continue to employ these tactics in any future political endeavors.

During his recent appearance at the Univision town hall, former President Donald Trump attempted to adopt a softer tone than he is typically known for. However, Trump reprised some false migrant claims that had previously been debunked. Throughout his tenure and even after his departure from office, Trump has been accused of spreading misinformation about immigration and asylum policies.

At the town hall, Trump repeated his unsubstantiated assertions that migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border are dangerous individuals who pose a risk to national security. These claims contradict data and reports that show the majority of immigrants do not have criminal records. Moreover, studies have indicated that immigrants are less likely to engage in criminal activities than native-born citizens.

Trump also falsely claimed that his administration’s controversial family separation policy at the border was a continuation of a policy from the Obama administration. While both administrations held families at the border, the Trump administration was responsible for the zero tolerance policy that resulted in thousands of family separations.

Lastly, Trump presented his border wall project as a complete and effective solution to immigration issues, disregarding the complex socio-economic factors that drive individuals to migrate. Experts have pointed out that a wall is only a partial solution, and more comprehensive immigration reform is necessary.

Despite his softer approach at the town hall, Trump’s repetition of false claims about immigration indicates that his viewpoints on the issue have not significantly changed. Critics assert that his misleading statements can fuel anti-immigrant sentiment and hinder productive discussion around immigration reform.