Former President Donald Trump believes his administration's aggressive deportation policies may have been too harsh for voters, contributing to Republican losses in the midterm elections. In his first major interview since the elections, Trump told CBS's "60 Minutes" that he thinks the approach "might be too tough, yeah."
Trump also indicated a willingness to negotiate with Democrats on immigration, stating he thinks "something that's actually doable" could be reached. However, he did not provide specifics on what such a deal might entail. Shortly after taping the interview, Trump appointed Stephen Miller, a key architect of his hard-line immigration agenda, as his new chief of staff.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the appointment on social media, calling it "not a course correction. That's a promotion." Democrats have signaled that oversight of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security will be a priority for the new Congress.
During his presidency, Trump's immigration crackdown included major operations that significantly increased arrests. The report notes that two U.S. citizens were killed by federal officers during protests against these operations.
Trump clarified his deportation stance, saying he believes "killers" and "drug dealers" who are in the country illegally should be deported. However, he suggested openness to a deal that would allow others to stay if they are "good people working in a landscaping company, or working in a hotel, or doing something, right? And in some cases, paying taxes."
The interview also touched on the 2028 presidential race, with Trump hinting at remaining neutral in the contest to succeed him. He stated he "may or may not get involved," suggesting he might be "better off not getting involved." He mentioned Marco Rubio as a potential candidate he considers "great" but declined to name other potential contenders.
When questioned about his personal wealth, which he estimated increased by $3 billion since his White House tenure, Trump said he pays little attention to it, leaving its management to his sons. He also addressed the issue of foreign investment in his company, stating that "every president has a problem" with such matters.
Reflecting on political animosity, Trump was asked if he could forgive his enemies. He responded, "I probably cannot do that, no, because I do hate some of my enemies, and I always will."