Trump Concedes Deportation Drive May Have Been “Too Tough” After Midterm Losses

US president Donald Trump has acknowledged that his mass deportation campaign may have gone too far, a notable shift in tone days after Republicans suffered heavy losses in the midterm elections.

Speaking to CBS’ “60 Minutes” in an interview that aired Sunday, Trump conceded his immigration policies were too tough and said mass deportations hurt him in the midterms.

“I think it was too tough,” he said, adding that many supporters would call the policy great while others see it as excessive.

Trump said the crackdown was especially harsh on people who entered the country illegally but were later working, paying taxes and contributing to the economy.

He also said he would like to work out a deal with Democrats on immigration.

The remarks carry political weight. Exit polling found that 58% of voters believe the administration’s immigration actions have gone too far.

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Trump said the crackdown both helped and hurt Republicans electorally, noting strong support for securing the border.

The comments also contrast sharply with his last “60 Minutes” appearance. When asked in that interview whether ICE raids had gone too far, Trump replied that they had not gone far enough.

It remains unclear whether the White House will change course.

On Friday, Trump replaced chief of staff Susie Wiles with Stephen Miller, a hardliner widely seen as an architect of his immigration policies.

Questions also remain about how far Trump is willing to go in reconsidering his approach.

The president’s critics may read the comments as an election-driven retreat, while allies may say they show a willingness to balance border security with practical economic realities.