US President Donald Trump has acknowledged that his administration may have gone too far with its deportation drive, suggesting that he is willing to negotiate an immigration agreement with Democrats in the new Congress.
Trump made the remarks during an interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes, his first major television interview since Republicans lost control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the midterm elections. The programme was broadcast on Sunday.
The president admitted that his immigration crackdown may have contributed to the party’s electoral setback, saying, “I think it might be too tough, yeah.”
He also expressed confidence that his administration could reach an understanding with the incoming Democratic majority on immigration matters.
“The deal would be we would work something out. And I think it’s something — I think that’s something that’s actually doable,” he said.
However, Trump did not explain the terms of any proposed agreement. Shortly after the interview was recorded on Friday, he appointed Stephen Miller, a leading figure behind his strict immigration policies, as his new chief of staff.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer criticised the president’s comments, questioning his willingness to change course while placing Miller in a key position in the White House.
“Trump says his immigration crackdown went too far,” Schumer wrote on social media on Sunday after the interview aired. “Apparently, his solution was to put the man responsible for it in charge of the White House. That’s not a course correction. That’s a promotion.”
Immigration enforcement has been a major part of Trump’s return to the White House, with large-scale operations carried out in several American cities, resulting in a sharp increase in arrests.
Two US citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were killed by federal officers during protests against the enforcement operations.
Democrats have identified oversight of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security as major issues they intend to pursue in the new Congress.
During the interview, Trump maintained that people living in the US illegally who are involved in violent crime or drug trafficking should be deported.
However, he indicated that some undocumented immigrants could be allowed to remain in the country, particularly those with jobs and tax records.
He cited people “if they’re good people working in a landscaping company, or working in a hotel, or doing something, right? And in some cases, paying taxes.”
Trump considers staying neutral in 2028 presidential race
The president also suggested that he might not endorse a candidate in the Republican contest to succeed him in the 2028 presidential election.
When asked whether he would support a potential successor, Trump replied, “probably, not necessarily.”
He said the Republican Party had several capable figures who could contest the election, adding that he maintained good relationships with many of them.
“We have a tremendous bench. I have so many people that I have great relationships with,” he said.
Asked to mention possible contenders apart from Vice President JD Vance, Trump singled out Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
“I think Marco’s great,” he said, while noting that other potential candidates included senators he considered excellent.
“There’s some senators that are excellent. I know ’em all, I like ’em a lot.”
Trump further suggested that he might avoid getting involved in the succession contest.
“So I may or may not get involved. I don’t know. Maybe I’m better off not getting involved,” he said.
Trump dismisses questions over increase in personal wealth
Trump also brushed aside questions about the reported $3bn increase in his net worth since returning to office.
Democrats had made the president’s personal wealth a campaign issue during the midterm elections. The AP Voter Poll indicated that about half of voters nationwide considered government corruption a crucial factor in their congressional vote.
Asked about the increase in his wealth, Trump said he paid little attention to his financial position and left the management of the family business to his sons.
“I devote almost no time to my net worth. I don’t care. I make — I have a lotta money, and far more than I ever thought I’d have. And I guess it’s gone up. I don’t even know,” he said.
He was also questioned about whether foreign investors in the company he co-owns with his sons could be seeking political influence.
“I don’t know. But that’s true — look, every president has a problem,” Trump responded.
The interview also touched on his political rivalries and whether he could forgive those he considers his enemies.
Trump, who survived an assassination attempt during his 2024 re-election campaign, said agreeing to forgive his opponents would be easy to say but difficult to practise.
“I probably cannot do that, no, because I do hate some of my enemies, and I always will,” he said.
