Trump admits deportation policy went too far

President Donald Trump acknowledged on Sunday that his administration's aggressive deportation tactics may have cost Republicans the House and Senate.

In his first major television interview since the election, Trump told CBS's 60 Minutes that the policy might have been too tough for voters. He admitted that the strategy contributed to his party losing control of both chambers of Congress.

The immigration crackdown defined Trump's second term. Federal agencies launched major operations in multiple cities, causing arrest numbers to spike. During these protests, two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were killed by federal officers. Democrats in the new Congress have stated that oversight of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security will be a priority.

Despite the losses, Trump said he believes he can reach an immigration deal with the incoming Democratic majority. He described the potential agreement as doable, though he offered no specific details. Shortly after taping the interview on Friday, he named Stephen Miller, the key architect of the hard-line agenda, as his new chief of staff.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer responded to the news with derision on social media. Schumer noted that putting the man responsible for the crackdown in charge of the White House is a promotion, not a course correction.

Trump signaled openness to letting some undocumented workers remain in the country. He suggested protections for individuals who are good people working in landscaping or hotels, or who are paying taxes. He maintained that he still wants to deport killers and drug dealers.

During the midterms, Democrats made the president's personal wealth a central campaign issue. According to the AP Voter Poll, about half of voters nationally said government corruption was crucial to their vote. Trump said his net worth rose by $3 billion since he returned to the White House. He stated that he devotes almost no time to his net worth and that his sons run the family business.

When asked if foreigners investing in his company might be buying influence, Trump replied that every president has a problem with that issue. He said he pays little attention to the matter.

The interview also touched on the 2028 Republican primary. Trump hinted he may stay neutral, saying he probably will not necessarily endorse a successor. He named Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a potential contender, calling him great. Trump said he has a tremendous bench of candidates and great relationships with many of them.

Asked if he could forgive his political enemies after surviving an assassination attempt in 2024, Trump said he probably cannot. He admitted that he hates some of his enemies and always will.