Trump Now Says Deportations May Have Been Too Tough

Deportations in question: US President Donald Trump has said his administration’s deportation policies may have hurt Republicans in the midterm elections, and signalled he is open to a Trump immigration deal with Democrats, who won control of both chambers of Congress.

Asked about his deportation policy in an interview that came out on Sunday (Nov 8), Trump replied: “I think it might be too tough, yeah.” The interview was recorded at the White House after the Nov 3 election, according to a report by WCAB News.

Trump acknowledged that deporting immigrants who held jobs had contributed to the backlash against his party, while saying he still backs border security and the removal of dangerous offenders.

Deportations: Immigration deal called doable

Trump indicated that any agreement could accommodate some immigrants who work and pay taxes, while deportations of criminals would continue. He described such a deal as something that is actually doable, but gave no eligibility requirements, timetable or legislative proposal, the report said.

According to National Security Journal, Trump pointed to people working for landscaping companies or in hotels who pay taxes. “I get hurt because we also took people that had good jobs,” he was quoted as saying. The publication said he offered few specifics and that the policy would still target killers and other dangerous people.

In the same interview, Trump suggested he might stay neutral in the 2028 Republican nomination race. He praised Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio without endorsing either, WCAB News reported. He also said bad messaging, possibly his own, had hurt perceptions of his economic record.

Miller named chief of staff

The remarks came days after Trump announced on his social media site on Friday (Nov 6) that Stephen Miller would replace Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff, according to an Associated Press report carried by PBS NewsHour.

Miller currently serves as deputy chief of staff, and AP described him as a key architect of the administration’s hard-line immigration policies. Trump praised Wiles and said she would continue to work for his political organisation.

Democrats eye ICE oversight

Democrats have identified oversight of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security as priorities for the incoming Congress, according to WCAB News.

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Democrats Win Control of US House and Senate in Midterms

Trump Says Deportations May Have Been Too Tough