President Donald Trump has once again made headlines with his latest executive order, a move aimed squarely at eliminating taxpayer funds that are used to “incentivize” the arrival of illegal immigrants.

Signed late Wednesday, the order declares that taxpayer dollars must be reserved for American citizens—not for individuals entering the country illegally.

In a dramatic twist that has ignited intense political debate, Trump’s directive calls for federal and state programs to be reined in, so that funds are no longer used to bolster initiatives that might act as a magnet for new arrivals.

According to the text of the order, authorities are now directed to restrict any federal or state program that allocates money in ways that could be seen as promoting illegal immigration. Trump’s administration is emphasizing that protecting American citizens—especially those in need, including people with disabilities and veterans—should be the top priority. “My Administration will uphold the rule of law, defend against the waste of hard-earned taxpayer resources, and protect benefits for American citizens in need,” the order states. A White House fact sheet obtained by Fox News further explains that President Trump is committed to safeguarding federal public benefits for those who truly qualify.

The executive order comes amid growing concerns over the astronomical cost of illegal immigration. Over the past three years, illegal immigration has reportedly cost taxpayers an estimated $451 billion—a figure driven by record numbers of migrants crossing the border in response to policies implemented by the Biden-Harris administration. Some experts even suggest that there could be as many as 11 million illegal immigrants residing in the United States today.