In a twist that seems designed to make heads spin, Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen appears to have switched his focus from the people he represents in Maryland to a questionable figure far beyond his state’s borders. While the grieving Morin family, dealing with the tragic loss of their daughter Rachel, seeks support at home, the Senator is concentrating his efforts elsewhere. His approach has raised eyebrows and questions about his priorities. Instead of addressing the sorrow of the Morin family, Van Hollen has chosen to invest his time and taxpayer funds flying to El Salvador to assist an illegal immigrant with spotted credentials.

Let’s face it, the actions of Senator Van Hollen, a member of a party that has always claimed to support their constituents, seem nothing short of baffling. Many voters expect their senators to focus on their needs. It seems that helping the Morin family, a family that has gone through so much tragedy, would be a natural priority. Instead, Van Hollen’s apparent preference to jump on an airplane and fly to El Salvador to advocate for the return of a person connected with troubling allegations comes across as a significant misstep, if not a clear example of the modern Democratic Party’s disjointed focus.

The White House, under President Trump’s administration, hasn’t lost any opportunity to highlight these strange choices from the Democratic side of the aisle. Meanwhile, the Justice Department has unveiled a 2019 police report that reportedly establishes this man’s ties to MS-13, a well-known violent gang. Adding fuel to this fire, domestic issues regarding Garcia have surfaced, including a restraining order requested by his wife in relation to domestic violence.

As if the senator’s odd priorities weren’t enough, the judicial system also comes into the spotlight with the recent decisions surrounding deportation flights ordered by the Trump administration. Judge Boasberg’s decision to halt the deportation and demand the return of criminal gang members has struck some as an attempt to overreach into the Executive Branch’s powers, stirring up further controversy and debate. Accusations of judicial activism are not uncommon, but in this case, it seems the judge is determined to take center stage by interfering with deportation orders.

In the larger context, the Democrat stance on immigration seems to be less about protecting citizens and more about posturing for the sake of defiance against Trump administration policies. They’ve decided to plant their flag in defending an individual with a questionable past, an approach that does not appear strategic nor wise. But then again, logic and rationale rarely take the lead when there’s political grandstanding to do.

Now, when it comes to rectifying the current trade deficit woes left behind by past administrations, President Trump has been busy establishing stronger trade relationships. Allied nations like Japan, Italy, and others have been in discussions for more equitable trade deals that benefit the United States. The President’s hardline approach appears to be resonating well, setting a tone for more favorable agreements in the future. Whether it’s dealing with trade or tackling immigration and deportation debates, the White House seems to have its eyes on the prize. Meanwhile, some Democrats are busy playing misguided games, potentially to their own detriment.