Census Errors Distort Congressional Representation Across 14 States

President Donald Trump is advocating for a new census that excludes illegal immigrants, arguing that the current practice of counting everyone regardless of immigration status distorts political representation by inflating populations in states with large undocumented populations, such as California. This push is part of Trump's broader 'America First' agenda and the ongoing partisan battles over redistricting ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Critics note that including illegal immigrants in census counts can shift congressional seats and influence political power, though experts warn that changes could impact both Republicans and Democrats. Recent admissions from the U.S. Census Bureau acknowledge significant errors in the 2020 Census, with undercounts in at least 14 states, affecting congressional representation and federal funding distribution. Republican figures highlight how states like California benefit from these errors by gaining more House seats, while states with fewer illegal immigrants, often Republican-leaning, are underrepresented. Meanwhile, Democratic governors have been accused of aggressive gerrymandering to disenfranchise Republican voters, a practice contrasted with Republican-led redistricting efforts in Texas, which seek to increase GOP representation.