Trump Toys With Idea of Putting ‘Crocodiles From Africa’ Into Rio Grande to Stop Border Crossings

(Evan Vucci/AP photo)

President Donald Trump may be considering the idea of putting “crocodiles from Africa” in the Rio Grande to stop border crossings into Texas, admitting it was “meant as a joke,” but “a lot of people think we should do it.”

As the president and several other administration officials appeared on Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” Tuesday, YouTuber and political commentator Benny Johnson asked him about a past remark regarding alligators in the Rio Grande to ward off migrants looking to cross into Texas.

Trump said the remark was meant as a joke, but added that he and “a lot of people” liked the idea.

He also corrected Johnson, saying they were actually “crocodiles from Africa.”

“They are a step beyond,” Trump added.

Read the exchange here:

BENNY JOHNSON: Mr. President, in 2018 you suggested putting alligators in the Rio Grande to prevent crossings in Texas. Is this a dream come true for you, sir?

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: Well, I was thinking about that, I must say. It was meant more as a joke but the more I thought of it, the more I liked it, if you wanna know the truth. They were actually crocodiles. They were crocodiles from Africa. They are a step beyond. But no, that was really meant as a joke, but a lot of people liked it. And a lot of people think we should do it, frankly.

While at the newest migrant detention facility, Johnson proudly showed off an Alligator Alcatraz hat he said was given to him “by the state of Florida” at the facility.

“Hi guys. I have just been handed official Alligator Alcatraz merch,” he posted on X. “I repeat, this prison has merch. Things are going insanely well.”

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