Trump admits ICE crackdown 'too tough' after historic Democratic midterm win

President Donald Trump has made a rare admission that his administration’s mass deportation efforts went too far, acknowledging the policy likely contributed to the historic Democratic victories in last week’s midterm elections. According to the Daily Mail ^[1], Trump told CBS 60 Minutes that targeting otherwise law-abiding immigrants who entered the country illegally was a political liability. "I think it both helped and hurt," Trump said, noting that while he received an "A+" for securing the border, removing workers in hotels and landscaping was "too tough."

The NBC News reported ^[2] that Trump attributed the Republican crushing midterm losses partly to "bad messaging," claiming the media failed to highlight positive news. He argued that voters were divided, supporting border security but uncomfortable watching longtime workers being rounded up. "When you go into a hotel... and all of a sudden, they’re being taken outta the country, it’s tough," Trump said, adding that many of those removed were paying taxes.

Despite this concession, Trump signaled he still intends to collaborate with Democrats on immigration, suggesting a deal could include legal status for undocumented immigrants who have worked in the U.S. for years. "I think that’s something that’s actually doable," he said, according to the Daily Mail ^[1]. However, this potential moderation clashes with his recent appointment of Stephen Miller as White House Chief of Staff. Miller, a key architect of the deportation regime, replaces Susie Wiles.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries dismissed any prospect of working with Miller, stating there is "not going to be any opportunity" to collaborate with him. California Governor Gavin Newsom called Miller a "vile thug," describing the appointment as an insult to voters who rejected the administration's approach. Trump acknowledged that hardliners within his own administration favor removing virtually every illegal immigrant, confirming their presence in the White House.

Trump also addressed his growing wealth, revealing his net worth rose by nearly $3 billion since returning to office, largely driven by cryptocurrency earnings. He dismissed questions about foreign investment in his crypto ventures, insisting he knows "nothing about it." With Democrats emboldened by their wins, the path forward for any bipartisan immigration deal remains uncertain, especially with Miller now holding significant influence over policy.