Trump teased a solution for farmers. It’s likely not coming soon.

By Myah Ward, Jake Traylor | 08/08/2025 12:34 PM EDT

The president’s remarks underscore the concern that any allowance for undocumented workers would cause political blowback.

President Donald Trump greets people at the end of a ceremony.

President Donald Trump greets people at the end of a ceremony honoring Purple Heart recipients in the East Room of the White House, on Aug. 7, 2025. Francis Chung/POLITICO

President Donald Trump keeps saying he’ll solve the politically fraught problem of reconciling the need for undocumented farm labor with his mass deportation plan.

But the White House does not appear close to a policy decision — and farmers are getting frustrated with the delays.

“My understanding is they still really haven’t put pen to paper,” said a person close to the White House, granted anonymity to discuss private conversations.

Advertisement

Even as angst grows among the nation’s farmers, no new policy is imminent, according to White House aides, farm lobbyists and people familiar with the discussions. Border czar Tom Homan also told reporters this week that no “formal policy” had been agreed to.

GET FULL ACCESS