Trump Says His Deportation Policy Was "Too Tough" in 60 Minutes Interview
President Donald Trump has told CBS News's 60 Minutes that his deportation policy was "too tough," and said he was open to striking an immigration deal with Democrats that would let some undocumented immigrants remain in the United States. The interview, conducted by correspondent Ross Douthat, was broadcast on Sunday. The Guardian reported the remarks.
Trump said his administration had been too aggressive on deportations, particularly in removing undocumented immigrants who had not committed crimes. He cited that approach as one reason for his party's performance in the midterm elections, according to NBC News, which reported that he was asked whether his deportation policies had affected the outcome.
Trump proposed continuing to remove killers, rapists and drug dealers, while making an accommodation for undocumented people who had been in the United States for 10 or 15 years. He said some Democrats had already contacted him about a compromise. Asked whether he could refrain from name-calling for six months to secure an agreement, he replied "Very easily."
The comments follow a recent change in the White House. On the Friday before the broadcast, Trump elevated Stephen Miller, the architect of his immigration crackdown, to White House chief of staff. Earlier in 2026, federal agents fatally shot two US citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, during operations in Minneapolis.
Trump said he was not on the ballot in the midterms, and that had he been, the results would have been much different, citing his popularity and large rallies. He blamed the war with Iran and higher petrol prices for the Republicans' midterm defeat. He also said he would make the same decision again on the military campaign against Iran, because Iran cannot be allowed to have a nuclear weapon.
In the full transcript that CBS News published, Trump said gasoline in Iowa was $1.85 a gallon under him and later rose to between $3.50 and $4. He said Ohio candidate Jon Husted had been 15 points down and ended up losing by a point or less. He also claimed he had settled eight wars. CBS News described the interview as covering the Republican midterm losses, the wars in Iran and Ukraine, and the economy.
