Trump Blames Deportations for Midterm Loss
The president admitted his immigration policy may have been too aggressive and suggested a deal with Democrats, even as he promoted key advisor Stephen Miller.
By Natalie Cooper ·
President Donald Trump spoke to the nation in his first major interview since Republicans lost control of both chambers of Congress in the November midterm elections. He told CBS News on the broadcast of 60 Minutes on Sunday that his administration's deportation efforts were too harsh and may have cost the party the vote.
The president acknowledged the political cost of his hard-line stance. "I think it might be too tough, yeah," Trump said. He suggested he could reach a compromise with the new Democratic majority in Congress.
"The deal would be we would work something out. And I think it's something that's actually doable," he added. Trump did not provide details on the specifics of such an agreement.
The interview aired on Sunday, but the taping took place on Friday. Shortly after that session, Trump named Stephen Miller, the architect of the administration's strict immigration agenda, as his new White House chief of staff.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer reacted to the news on social media on Sunday. He argued that promoting the man responsible for the crackdown was not a correction of course. "That's a promotion," Schumer wrote.
The immigration crackdown has been a defining feature of the president's second term. Federal operations in multiple cities led to a sharp rise in arrests. Two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were killed by federal officers during protests against these operations.
Democrats in the new Congress have stated that oversight of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security is a top priority. Trump said he believes "killers" and "drug dealers" should be deported. However, he appeared open to a deal allowing other immigrants to stay if they are working in fields like landscaping or hotels and paying taxes.
On the topic of the 2028 presidential race, Trump hinted that he may stay on the sidelines. He said he probably would not necessarily endorse a specific successor, noting that he has a "tremendous bench" of potential candidates. He named Secretary of State Marco Rubio as one option but said he would rather not mention the names of other senators he likes.
Trump also addressed his personal wealth during the interview. Democrats had tried to make the president's finances a campaign issue, with about half of voters saying government corruption was crucial to their congressional choice. Trump said his net worth rose by $3 billion since returning to office but that he devotes little time to it. "I don't even know," he said. He acknowledged that foreign investors in his family's business might be seeking influence, noting that every president faces that problem. He concluded by saying he probably cannot forgive his enemies because he hates some of them and always will.
The interview provided a direct look at the president's strategy for the second half of his term. He moved from admitting fault on deportations to promoting the official responsible for them. He signaled a potential legislative compromise while keeping his options open for the next election cycle. His comments on wealth and personal grievances offered a candid view of his internal state as the new Congress begins work.
The president's remarks set the stage for negotiations with the Democratic-led legislature. The promotion of Miller signals a continued commitment to strict immigration enforcement despite the president's concession. The specific terms of any potential deal remain unclear, but Trump believes an agreement is possible. The new Congress will now move to implement its oversight priorities regarding federal immigration agencies.
Trump's interview marked a shift in tone from his previous communications. He accepted some responsibility for the midterm results without fully surrendering his policy goals. The promotion of Miller complicates the narrative of a policy reset. The president's comments on his net worth and personal relationships with political rivals remain part of the public record. The details of the 60 Minutes interview will likely be scrutinized by both parties as the new session opens.
