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NBA veteran Tristan Thompson has voiced his support for President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, expressing admiration for the administration’s approach.
Originally from Canada, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ center, who gained U.S. citizenship in 2020, shared his thoughts during an interview on The Katie Miller Podcast. He highlighted that individuals who immigrate legally and “do the thing the right way” deserve precedence, yet he also recognized the importance of assessing immigration situations individually.
Tristan Thompson’s Canadian Roots and NBA Journey to America
Thompson hails from Brampton, Ontario, located near Toronto. He first came to the United States as a teenager on a student visa, aiming to enhance his basketball skills. He attended high schools in both New Jersey and Nevada.
After spending one season playing for the University of Texas, he entered the NBA draft. The Cleveland Cavaliers made him the fourth overall pick in 2011. During his nine seasons with the Cavaliers, Thompson played a key role in securing the team’s first NBA championship in 2016, alongside LeBron James.
How Tristan Thompson Became a US Citizen in 2020 During Trump’s First Term
Thompson officially became a U.S. citizen in November 2020, shortly after signing a $19 million deal with the Boston Celtics. A memorable photo shows him taking the Oath of Allegiance during his naturalization ceremony, with his right hand raised.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services shared the image, quoting Thompson as saying: “I came to the US on a student visa and have always had big dreams. I’m now truly living the American dream.” His citizenship came during the final months of Trump’s first presidential term.
Exact Quotes From the Katie Miller Podcast: “I Love What He’s Done”
In a preview of the podcast episode released in March 2026, Thompson did not hold back on his political views. “What President Trump is doing, first of all, I love what he’s done so far for our country,” he said.
“I think he’s helped our country a lot.” The full episode is scheduled to air Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET across major platforms, including YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and X.
NET GAIN: Veteran NBA player Tristan Thompson says he loves what Trump’s doing for U.S. when asked his thoughts on the president’s immigration crackdown.
Thompson, who was born in Canada but became a U.S. citizen in 2020, says he believes people should immigrate “the right way”… pic.twitter.com/0pbTjBkwnB
— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 31, 2026
“Do It the Right Way”: Tristan Thompson’s Personal Take on Legal Immigration
Thompson grounded his immigration views in personal experience. “I’m a firm believer because I have family members and I have people that are immigrants,” he explained. “I believe for those that do the thing the right way and get the papers, I think they should be taken care of first and foremost.
I think that’s the right thing. I think that’s the right way of going about it.” The remarks position him alongside Trump’s emphasis on prioritizing legal immigration pathways.
Why Tristan Thompson Says Legal Immigrants Should Come First — Case by Case
Despite his support for prioritizing legal applicants, Thompson acknowledged the complexity of individual immigration situations. “I think it should be case by case on the right people,” he said, describing a more nuanced position.
“I understand where he’s coming from, but for me, it varies depending on who the person is.” He expressed empathy for people caught “in-between states” while waiting for their legal paperwork to be processed.
Quick Citizenship Process During the Pandemic: What Thompson Revealed
Thompson told Miller that his own naturalization process moved surprisingly quickly a detail he attributed to timing rather than special treatment. “I think it was just because of the pandemic, so they were just quick with it,” he explained.
He dismissed speculation that his NBA status might have accelerated the application, maintaining that the speed came from pandemic-related processing efficiencies rather than celebrity influence.
Tristan Thompson Denies NBA Status Helped His US Citizenship Application
The basketball star was unequivocal when asked whether his professional athlete profile gave him an advantage. He rejected the notion outright, insisting his application moved through standard channels.
While some public figures face scrutiny over expedited immigration processing, Thompson’s denial aims to frame his journey as one that followed the same legal pathways available to other permanent residents seeking naturalization.
Reaction to Thompson’s comments has been sharply divided. Former NBA player Matt Barnes criticized Thompson’s recent White House visit, commenting, “These n***** weirdos smh,” on social media.
WNBA champion Natasha Cloud called the visit “Cringe,” while actor Dondre Whitfield wrote, “No comment. Smh.” Thompson visited the James Brady Press Briefing Room to advocate for NIL protections for college athletes and posted a selfie with Vice President JD Vance.
Family Immigrant Ties: How Tristan Thompson’s Background Shapes His Views
Thompson has cited his family’s immigrant background as central to his perspective. Having relatives who navigated the immigration system gives him direct insight into the challenges applicants face, he explained.
This personal connection, combined with his own decade-long journey from student visa holder to naturalized citizen, appears to inform his belief that legal pathways should be prioritized while still allowing for case-by-case review of individual circumstances.
White House Visit Context: Thompson’s Recent Praise for Trump Policies
Thompson’s podcast remarks align with a broader pattern of political engagement. On March 26, 2026, he visited the White House to discuss financial protections for college athletes navigating Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals.
“With NIL there’s a lot of capital, there’s a lot of money. We need to create a system to protect them,” he said during a press briefing. He also previously commented on economic issues, linking corporate layoffs to lost confidence in the American workforce.
Why This Story Stands Out in the 2026 US Immigration Debate
Thompson’s public support for Trump’s immigration policies is notable given the NBA’s reputation as a league where progressive political views dominate. His stance places him among a minority of current and former NBA players aligning with conservative immigration enforcement positions.
As the 2026 immigration debate intensifies ahead of midterm elections, Thompson’s voice adds a celebrity dimension to conversations about legal versus undocumented immigration priorities.
What Legal Immigrants Like Tristan Thompson Mean for America-First Priorities
The Trump administration has consistently emphasized that legal immigrants who follow established procedures should not face competition from those who entered without authorization.
Thompson’s personal story arriving on a student visa, playing college basketball, building an NBA career, and naturalizing through official channels—represents the kind of immigration journey the administration holds up as the preferred model.