President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he has instructed the Department of Commerce to initiate a new census that would exclude undocumented immigrants from the population count. In a post on social media, Trump emphasized the need for a "highly accurate CENSUS based on modern day facts and figures" and stated that individuals residing in the U.S. illegally "WILL NOT BE COUNTED IN THE CENSUS."

This proposal marks a significant departure from the traditional practices of the U.S. Census Bureau, which has historically counted all residents, regardless of their immigration status. The census is conducted every ten years and is crucial for determining the allocation of the 435 House seats among the states.

Trump's announcement comes amid ongoing redistricting battles in several states, particularly in Texas, where a proposed congressional map could potentially add three to five House seats for Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections. Texas Democrats have protested these changes by leaving the state, which has prevented a quorum for voting on the new map. In response, Republican Governor Greg Abbott is considering legal actions against the absent lawmakers.

The implications of Trump's directive could be far-reaching, as it may influence how congressional representation is determined in the future. The Constitution mandates a national census every decade, and the census website states that it is designed to count every resident in the United States.

Trump previously attempted to alter the 2020 census to exclude noncitizens, but the Supreme Court blocked his efforts to add a citizenship question. Instead, he sought to obtain records from government agencies to estimate the number of citizens without directly polling census-takers.

As discussions about redistricting intensify, Democratic leaders in states like New York and California have indicated they may respond by exploring ways to redraw their own congressional maps. This comes as Republicans in various states are also considering adjustments to their maps ahead of the 2026 elections, where Democrats need to gain only three seats to reclaim control of the House.

The potential for a new census raises concerns among Democrats about shifts in political power, especially as states like Texas and Utah experience population growth, while others in the Midwest and Northeast see declines. Implementing a new census would be a complex and costly endeavor, which could hinder its feasibility. As the situation develops, it remains uncertain how the Department of Commerce will respond to Trump's directive and what the long-term effects on the political landscape will be.