Talk show host Dr. Phil McGraw has been increasingly present at politically charged events, particularly Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, despite maintaining a supposedly neutral stance on political matters. His latest appearance was at ICE headquarters in Los Angeles during recent immigration arrests, where he conducted exclusive interviews with Trump border czar Tom Homan.
According to Politico, the television personality’s involvement in immigration matters has grown notably, with McGraw embedding himself directly during January ICE raids in Chicago for his new venture, Merit Street Media. This network focuses on news and true crime content, marking a significant shift from his traditional therapeutic media role.
“I’m the least political person I know,” McGraw claims, describing himself as politically unsophisticated. However, his actions suggest otherwise, some have questioned whether Dr. Phil is aligning with GOP messaging, as he continues to appear at politically charged events and associate with prominent political figures.
Dr. Phil’s growing involvement in conservative politics raises questions
McGraw’s recent activities include hosting Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and conservative personality Jordan Peterson on his show. He also spoke at Trump’s October rally at Madison Square Garden, though he publicly stated he would be available to speak at a Harris rally as well.
While maintaining that he is “pro-immigration,” McGraw has expressed support for controlled immigration, stating, “We need to know who is coming into our country.” His relationship with Tom Homan has also deepened, with McGraw describing the former ICE director as a “sincere and compassionate man.”
The talk show host’s transformation into a conservative influencer appears to be part of a larger trend among formerly apolitical media personalities. Like others such as Joe Rogan and Theo Von, McGraw has begun engaging more frequently with issues that resonate with conservative audiences, particularly focusing on what he terms “cultural issues.”
When asked about his involvement in ICE raids, McGraw’s representatives clarified, but critics still point to past episodes like his controversial interview with Shelley Duvall to question his motives. However, his promise of continued coverage of immigration enforcement activities suggests his political involvement will likely continue, despite his insistence on being politically neutral.
Published: Jun 10, 2025 01:06 pm