Trump admits deportation policy may have cost Republicans midterms

The 2026 midterm elections resulted in a loss of control for the Republican Party in both chambers of Congress, a shift that President Donald Trump attributes in part to his administration's immigration enforcement tactics. In an interview aired Sunday on CBS's 60 Minutes, the president offered his first major public assessment of the election results since voting ended.

When asked directly if his deportation policy had been too tough for voters, Trump responded affirmatively. He stated, "I think it might be too tough, yeah." This admission comes as Democrats prepare to take charge of the new Congress, where they have pledged to prioritize oversight of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security.

Despite the concession, Trump expressed confidence that he can reach a compromise with the incoming Democratic leadership. He described the potential agreement as doable, suggesting that specific terms would be worked out between the branches. He did not provide detailed figures or policy points regarding what such a deal would entail.

The president signaled a shift in enforcement priorities by suggesting protections for individuals who are working in sectors like landscaping or hospitality and paying taxes. He maintained that he still supports the removal of individuals who are criminals, but showed openness to allowing others to remain in the country if they meet these economic criteria.

Shortly before the interview was taped on Friday, Trump appointed Stephen Miller as his new chief of staff. Miller is widely recognized as the primary architect of the hard-line immigration agenda that defined the first year of the administration. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer reacted to the appointment with criticism on social media, calling it a promotion rather than a course correction.

The enforcement campaign involved large-scale operations in multiple cities that led to a surge in arrests. During this period, two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were killed by federal officers while protesting the actions. Trump also addressed questions about his personal finances, noting that his net worth increased by $3 billion since returning to office, a figure he said he does not closely monitor.

Regarding the 2028 presidential race, Trump indicated he would likely remain neutral. He named Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a strong candidate but did not endorse him explicitly. The president said he has good relationships with many potential successors and might be better off not getting involved in the primary process.