Trump admits deportation policy might have been too tough following midterm losses
Following midterm election defeats where Republicans lost control of both the House and the Senate, President Donald Trump acknowledged that his administration's immigration enforcement may have been a significant political liability. Speaking to CBS's "60 Minutes," Trump admitted his deportation policy might have been "too tough," conceding it contributed to his party's congressional losses. While defending his record on border security and removing criminals, he noted the crackdown generated voter backlash because authorities also deported undocumented residents who held steady employment and had committed no other infractions.
Trump signaled an openness to negotiating an arrangement with the incoming Democratic majority to permit certain undocumented immigrants to remain legally, expressing confidence that a bipartisan compromise is attainable. However, this softer rhetoric contrasts sharply with his personnel decisions inside the White House. Just days prior, Trump appointed hardliner Stephen Miller, the chief architect of his strict immigration agenda, as White House chief of staff to replace Susie Wiles, describing the 41-year-old adviser as one of his most trusted confidants.
During the interview, Trump also addressed the 2028 presidential race, hinting that he might remain neutral rather than endorse a successor among what he characterized as a deep Republican bench.
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