Trump Admits Deportation Policy May Have Been Too Harsh for Voters
The president told CBS that his administration's aggressive immigration tactics contributed to the Republican midterm losses and that a deal with the new Democratic Congress is feasible.
By Anthony Lawson ·
President Donald Trump conceded in a Sunday interview that his administration's immigration enforcement may have been overly aggressive, a factor he credits for the Republican loss in the recent midterm elections.
Speaking on CBS's 60 Minutes, the president acknowledged that the policy might have been too tough for the electorate. He stated that he believes a compromise with the incoming Democratic majority is achievable.
The Republican Party lost control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the November elections. Trump identified the immigration crackdown as a key element in that defeat. He described the potential agreement as something that is actually doable.
The administration's strategy included major operations in multiple cities that led to a sharp rise in arrests. The enforcement actions drew public attention and protest. Two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were killed by federal officers during demonstrations against the operations.
Democrats have signaled that oversight of the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement will be a priority in the new Congress. Trump suggested he is open to allowing certain individuals to remain in the country if they are working legally and paying taxes.
He specified that he supports deporting those who are killers or drug dealers in the country illegally. However, he indicated flexibility for those employed in sectors such as landscaping or hotels.
Shortly after taping the interview on Friday, Trump named Stephen Miller as his new White House chief of staff. Miller is viewed as the primary architect of the hard-line immigration agenda that Trump described as potentially too harsh for voters.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the personnel decision on social media after the interview aired. Schumer called the move a promotion rather than a course correction, noting that Miller was responsible for the policy being questioned.
Trump also addressed questions regarding his personal wealth, which increased by $3 billion since returning to office. He said he devotes little time to monitoring his net worth and that his sons manage the family business.
When asked about foreign investments in his company, the president said every president faces similar issues. He indicated that he would likely remain neutral in the 2028 presidential race, though he praised Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a strong candidate.
