President Donald Trump has indicated he is preparing to make further changes to his Cabinet in the remaining two years of his presidency, following the Republican Party's substantial midterm election setbacks. In a wide-ranging interview with CBS's 60 Minutes, Trump stated that some administration members could be departing, while also outlining his plans for immigration, the economy, and the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Trump confirmed he anticipates making "a few changes" to his Cabinet. This announcement came shortly after the departure of White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, who was replaced by Stephen Miller, a prominent figure on immigration policy within the administration. The president also suggested that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's position might be under review, though Trump publicly expressed confidence in Hegseth. "They want to impeach him. Very unfair," Trump said, defending what he described as American military victories in Venezuela and Iran.
The potential personnel shifts follow a significant defeat for Republicans in the recent midterm elections, where Democrats gained control of the House and several Senate seats. Trump acknowledged that voters were dissatisfied with his handling of the Iran conflict and the resulting rise in gasoline prices, but he also contended that his absence from the ballot was a primary factor in the Republican struggles. He admitted that his administration may have failed in effectively communicating the success of its economic policies, while asserting that the economy was performing well and that benefits would become apparent to voters soon.
Regarding immigration, Trump suggested that his administration's deportation policies might have been too stringent. While emphasizing the priority of removing dangerous criminals, he indicated that some undocumented immigrants who have worked in the U.S. for years, such as those in the hotel and landscaping industries, might warrant different consideration. He also expressed openness to bipartisan negotiations on immigration reform, stating he could "very easily" refrain from insulting Democrats for six months if it facilitated an agreement.
On the subject of Iran, Trump defended his decision to initiate military action, despite acknowledging its negative impact on Republican election prospects. He maintained that the decision was historically justified, even if not immediately popular, and stated he had no plans to escalate the conflict. "I think historically, this will be a very good decision. Is it a good decision for today and tomorrow? Maybe not," he commented.
Looking ahead, Trump hinted at the possibility of endorsing a Republican successor for the 2028 presidential election, though he stopped short of a firm commitment. He specifically praised Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a potential candidate, alongside Vice President JD Vance. Trump also indicated his intention to issue a significant number of presidential pardons before leaving office, aiming to protect individuals who served in his administration from potential legal challenges. However, he stated he did not plan to pardon himself.