Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about Prince Harry have reignited media attention on the strained relationship between the ex-royal couple and the American political world. Most notably, Trump ruled out any plans to deport Prince Harry from the United States, despite ongoing legal challenges concerning Harry’s visa status. Speaking to the New York Post in early 2025, Trump said,
“I’ll leave him alone. He’s got enough problems with his wife. She’s terrible.”
This bold comment not only spotlighted the controversy but also added fuel to the public feud with Harry’s wife, Meghan Markle.
This article explores Donald Trump’s comments in their broader context, including the allegations questioning Harry’s visa application, the royal couple’s fraught relationship with Trump, and the implications for public perceptions and international stature.
Trump Rules Out Deporting Prince Harry: A Statement with a Jab
In a candid interview, Donald Trump clarified that he had no intention to deport Prince Harry, despite ongoing litigation claiming that Harry might have concealed past illegal drug use in his visa application—a potential visa disqualification highlighted by the Heritage Foundation, a right-wing conservative think tank. This lawsuit seeks to compel the Department of Homeland Security to release Harry’s U.S. visa records due to admissions in his memoir Spare about past drug use, including cocaine, cannabis, and psychedelics.
Trump’s dismissive response to the idea of deporting the Duke of Sussex also included a jab at Meghan Markle, whom he has frequently criticized in the past.
“He’s got enough problems with his wife. She’s terrible,”
Trump remarked, a comment seen both as humorous and disparaging by the media. The tension between the former president and the Sussexes has been publicly evident for years, with Markle previously describing Trump as “divisive” and “misogynistic,” while Trump has called Harry “whipped” by his wife.
Donald Trump Says He Won’t Deport Prince Harry: Can Prince Harry Be Deported?
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has recently made headlines by ruling out any plans to deport Prince Harry from the United States. This statement came amid ongoing legal scrutiny regarding the Duke of Sussex’s visa status, sparking widespread public and media interest.
The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, alleged last year that Prince Harry may have concealed past illegal drug use when applying for his U.S. visa—a claim that could have jeopardized his immigration status. Despite this, Trump told reporters,
“I’ll leave him alone. He’s got enough problems with his wife. She’s terrible,”
referencing Meghan Markle, Harry’s wife.
Can Prince Harry Be Deported?
Despite the controversy, legal experts say that Prince Harry’s deportation is unlikely under current U.S. immigration law, primarily for these reasons:
- There is no record of any criminal conviction related to drug use, which would greatly complicate deportation proceedings.
- Even if a visa was issued despite omissions, applicants can often apply for waivers, especially when dealing with past offenses that are not ongoing or severe.
- As a high-profile individual holding an O-1 visa (reserved for people with extraordinary ability), Harry’s case may undergo more discretionary analysis.
- Deportation is a lengthy and complex legal process typically involving several administrative and judicial reviews.
Prince Harry’s attorney and immigration experts argue that his situation is more complex than a simple “yes or no” deportation issue and involves considerable discretion by U.S. immigration authorities
Behind the Scenes: The Visa Litigation and Allegations
The legal controversy centers on the opaque nature of Harry’s visa application amid revelations in his autobiography concerning his past recreational drug use. The Heritage Foundation alleges that Harry may not have truthfully disclosed this information, making his visa potentially invalid.
This kind of scrutiny is unusual for a member of the British royal family but reflects broader questions regarding special treatment and transparency in high-profile immigration cases.
Amidst these allegations, Trump’s decision to publicly rule out deportation signals a willingness to avoid making an international incident. Some royal experts believe that Trump values maintaining cordial relations with the British monarchy, which could explain his reluctance to escalate the situation.
His private praise for Harry’s older brother, Prince William—whom he met during the 2024 Notre-Dame Cathedral reopening in Paris—contrasts sharply with his critical remarks about Harry and Meghan.
Public Feud and Media Spotlight
The Sussexes have often been vocal critics of Trump, contributing to a public back-and-forth of sharp remarks and media coverage. Meghan Markle’s description of Trump as “divisive” and “misogynistic” was met with Trump’s repeated jibes at Harry, including calling him
“led around by the nose” by Meghan. This feud has spilled into headlines repeatedly and is part of a more comprehensive narrative of the Sussexes’ complicated relationship with both U.S. politics and the British royal establishment following their “Megxit” departure in 2020.
Despite the personal nature of the exchanges, they’ve also affected public perception of the family and their causes. For example, during the 2025 Invictus Games—an event supporting injured military veterans founded by Prince Harry—Harry gave a moving speech emphasizing resilience and moral character.
Many observers interpreted elements of his remarks, especially references to “weak moral character in the world,” as veiled responses to Trump’s criticisms.
The Sussexes’ New Life in the United States and Public Reaction
Since stepping back as senior members of the royal family, Harry and Meghan have made their home in Montecito, California, where they have pursued a mix of philanthropy, media ventures, and activism. Their lifestyle and outspoken views continue to generate both support and controversy.
The Heritage Foundation’s lawsuit and Trump’s comments serve as reminders that the Sussexes remain high-profile figures whose private lives and visa status attract scrutiny and political commentary. Questions about preferential treatment during the Biden administration have intensified debates around fairness and immigration integrity, especially given Harry’s celebrity status and significant public influence.
Prince William and Trump: A Different Dynamic
Alongside his remarks about Harry, Trump expressed admiration for Prince William, calling him “a great young man.” The president’s private meeting with William in late 2024, during a ceremony marking Notre-Dame’s reopening, signals a contrasting relationship that is less fraught than his interactions with the Duke of Sussex.
Royal analysts suggest that Trump might prefer to maintain ties with the established line of the monarchy while viewing Harry and Meghan as unpredictable or divisive. This dichotomy also resonates in public opinion, where William is often seen as a steady figure, while the Sussexes are more polarizing, particularly in political and media discourse.
Legal and Political Implications Moving Forward
The visa litigation, combined with Trump’s public remarks, places Prince Harry in a politically charged environment in the United States. If the Heritage Foundation’s legal challenge succeeds, it could compel greater transparency around visa approvals for high-profile figures and possibly influence U.S. immigration policy for celebrities and public figures more broadly.
At the same time, Trump’s refusal to pursue deportation suggests pragmatism amid complex diplomatic and public relations considerations. Deporting a member of the British royal family, especially one married to an American citizen, would likely generate significant controversy and diplomatic challenges.
Reflecting on Public Image and Media Narratives
Both the Sussexes and Donald Trump understand the power of media narratives, using public statements and interviews to shape perceptions. Trump’s sharp commentary about Meghan Markle and Harry feeds into a larger narrative of cultural and political division, while the Sussexes continue to appeal to supporters through candid discussions of their challenges and causes, such as veteran support.
This dynamic has contributed to polarized responses worldwide, with some viewing Trump’s comments as entertaining bluntness and others as unnecessarily harsh or personal attacks.
Donald Trump’s comments on Prince Harry have added yet another layer of complexity to the ongoing saga surrounding the Duke of Sussex’s residency and public image in the United States. While ruling out deportation, Trump’s disparaging remarks about Meghan Markle reveal the continuing tension and public fascination with the high-profile couple.
The visa litigation initiated by the Heritage Foundation further accentuates questions of transparency and preferential treatment in immigration processes for celebrities.
As the Sussexes navigate their new life in America against a backdrop of political scrutiny and media spotlight, their relationship with figures like Donald Trump remains a vivid illustration of how personal, political, and cultural issues intersect on the global stage.
