In response to the increasing criticism surrounding President Donald Trump's proposed deportation of naturalized citizens, a petition on MoveOn, a progressive advocacy site, has gained traction. This petition demands the deportation of First Lady Melania Trump, her parents, and their son Barron, arguing that Trump's family should not be exempt from the policies he promotes.

The petition asserts, “If Trump is intent on deporting naturalized citizens, then it is only just that Melania and her parents are among the first to go. Furthermore, Barron, often referred to as an 'anchor baby,' should also be included since his maternal grandmother was born outside the United States. According to Trump's criteria, this disqualifies them from staying. If it applies to some, it should apply to all—no exceptions!”

It further emphasizes that such actions would eliminate any perception of favoritism, stating, “If this is genuinely about national security, then Melania must leave!” This sentiment reflects a growing frustration among the public regarding perceived inconsistencies in Trump's deportation policies. The petition emerged shortly after Democratic Representative Maxine Waters suggested during a protest in Los Angeles that Trump should investigate Melania's immigration status.

Waters remarked, “When he [Trump] discusses birthright citizenship and aims to change the Constitution's provisions for those born in the U.S., he should first consider Melania. We are uncertain about her parents' immigration status, and perhaps it’s time to investigate.” Her comments were met with enthusiastic support from the crowd at the rally, which protested against Trump's downsizing initiatives. Melania Trump, originally from the former Yugoslavia, became a U.S. citizen in 2006, making her the first First Lady to achieve naturalization and the second born outside the U.S., following Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams.

In 2018, reports indicated that Melania sponsored her parents, Viktor and Amalija Knavs, for green cards and eventual citizenship. Amalija Knavs passed away in 2024, while Viktor has been seen at various public events with the Trump family. Waters’ remarks were a reaction to an executive order signed by Trump on his first day in office, which aimed to reinterpret the 14th Amendment and limit birthright citizenship. This order is currently under judicial review and seeks to prevent individuals born to undocumented immigrants or those on temporary visas from automatically receiving U.S. citizenship.

During the March 25 protest, Waters joined hundreds marching to the VA hospital on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles, declaring, “We are here because we will not allow Trump, Elon Musk, or anyone else to undermine the United States Constitution.” Her comments regarding Melania Trump quickly circulated on social media platforms, drawing significant backlash from conservative commentators. A popular account on X remarked, “Maxine Waters wants to deport Melania,” highlighting the controversy.