Trump calls deportation drive too hard after GOP loses both chambers
The president told CBS he may work with Democrats on immigration but named Stephen Miller his new chief of staff.
By Adriana Abebe ·
President Donald Trump conceded on Sunday that his administration's immigration enforcement may have been too aggressive for voters. Speaking on CBS's '60 Minutes,' the president admitted the policy likely contributed to his party losing control of both the House and Senate in the recent midterm elections.
The interview aired on Sunday, but it was taped on Friday. Shortly after the recording session, Trump announced a major cabinet change. He named Stephen Miller, the primary architect of the hard-line immigration agenda, as his new chief of staff. This move drew immediate criticism from the new Democratic leadership in Congress.
The timeline of events leading to this moment includes a surge in federal immigration operations across multiple cities. These actions caused arrest numbers to rise sharply. The crackdown became a central issue in the 2026 midterm campaigns. Two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were killed by federal officers during protests against these operations. Democrats have since prioritized oversight of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security for the new Congress.
Trump said he believes he can reach an agreement with the new Democratic majority. He described the potential deal as something that is actually doable. He did not provide specific terms but suggested a framework where individuals deemed to be killers or drug dealers would be deported. He indicated openness to allowing others to stay if they are working in jobs like landscaping or hotels and paying taxes.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer reacted to the interview on social media. He scoffed at the idea that promoting Miller was a course correction. Schumer called it a promotion for the man responsible for the crackdown. This comment highlights the tension between the executive and legislative branches as they prepare to negotiate.
In other parts of the interview, Trump addressed his personal financial growth. He stated that his net worth increased by $3 billion since returning to office. He said his sons manage the family business and that he devotes little time to monitoring it. He also hinted that he may stay on the sidelines for the 2028 presidential race. When asked about endorsing a successor, Trump said he probably would not necessarily endorse one. He named Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a strong candidate but said he would not mention other names.
The next major step involves the new Congress taking office and beginning oversight hearings. Democrats have already signaled they will examine the Department of Homeland Security closely. Trump's administration will now operate with a divided government, requiring him to negotiate with a Democratic majority in both chambers. The president's willingness to cooperate on immigration remains to be tested in these early legislative sessions.
