Fact-check analysisVerified as of June 28, 2025Curated by FactVerify
True

Trump on El Salvador: "They've built a massive prison system. It's a hell of a system. We bring people there, and when they go there, they don't get out ... it's a brilliant system."

Donald Trump did make the statement praising El Salvador's prison system as a 'massive' and 'brilliant' system where people 'don't get out,' in the context of a deal to send detained migrants and criminals there.

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Source: factverify.com

The reporting

What the Evidence Shows

The claim quotes Donald Trump saying, "They've built a massive prison system. It's a hell of a system. We bring people there, and when they go there, they don't get out.

It's a brilliant system. " Multiple sources confirm that Trump made this statement regarding El Salvador's prison system. According to reports from The Express and AP News, Trump praised the country's mega-prison system during discussions about a deal between the U.S. And El Salvador to send detained migrants and imprisoned criminals to this facility.

The prison is described as a large, strict facility with limited visitation and recreation, part of El Salvador's aggressive anti-crime strategy. Trump's quote reflects his approval of the system's effectiveness in detaining individuals without release. There is no indication that the quote is fabricated or taken out of context; rather, it aligns with the known cooperation between the Trump administration and El Salvador on immigration enforcement.

Therefore, the claim accurately represents Trump's statement on El Salvador's prison system.

Primary trail

Verified Sources3

Donald Trump reveals how El Salvador mega-jail is inescapable

the-express.com
Open source

What to know about El Salvador's mega-prison after Trump deal to send

apnews.com
Open source

What to know about the El Salvador mega-prison where Trump sent

pbs.org
Open source
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