Donald Trump spoke to supporters during a stop in Bullhead City, Arizona, on Wednesday. The event focused on building support for Republican candidates running in the upcoming midterm elections. Rep. Andy Biggs, who is running for governor in Arizona, along with congressional candidate Mark Lamb and Rep. Abe Hamadeh, were also scheduled to address the crowd.
During his remarks, Trump described the changes he said occurred at the border after he entered office. He told the audience, “Two years ago, we inherited the worst border in American history. We turned it into the safest border, the best border, by far in the history of our country, and within hours of taking the oath of office, I deployed the United States military to secure our southern border.”
Trump then contrasted his method with the approach taken by the previous administration. According to Mediaite, he said, “I didn’t go to Congress like – remember Joe Biden? Sleepy Joe. ‘If they would give me approval in Congress’ – you’re not gonna get it. You just do it! You’re the president!” Attendees responded with tepid laughter at that point.
Trump references earlier choices that skipped congressional steps
He followed the comment by telling the crowd, “Turns out we just needed a new president. That’s all we needed.” That line produced a louder reaction from people gathered at the rally.
The deployment Trump mentioned took place as part of a broader set of immigration measures. He announced the troop plans during his inauguration address on January 20, 2025. Those steps also included declaring a national emergency, bringing back the Remain in Mexico policy, and starting large-scale deportations.
Trump has faced criticism in the past for threatening to bypass Congress on major issues without seeking approval from lawmakers. In May, he described the notion of requesting congressional authorization for military action in Iran as “totally unconstitutional.” He added, “These are not patriotic people that are asking [for oversight].”
More recently, Trump promised Americans $5,000 checks last month if Republicans win control in the midterms. When asked whether that plan would need approval from Congress, he replied, “We think not.”
According to WBAL TV, Trump recently bypassed Congress to cut $1 billion in Congressionally approved funding. While some lawmakers supported the decision, many called the move illegal. Most of the cuts target Health and Human Services Department programs that serve noncitizens, including refugees, asylees and unaccompanied minors accused of being in the country illegally.
Published: Oct 15, 2026 08:30 am