On Sunday, Donald Trump acknowledged that his deportation policy was "too harsh" during his first television interview since the midterm elections, as reported by the EFE agency.
During an interview on CBS's 60 Minutes, correspondent Ross Douthat questioned the former president about whether he believed his immigration policies had gone too far. Trump candidly replied, "I think it was too harsh. I think maybe it was too harsh, yes."
This interview aired just days after the Democrats regained control of both chambers of Congress in the recent elections, securing a projected majority of 244 seats in the House of Representatives and 54 senators compared to 44 Republicans.
Trump's remarks about his own immigration policies represent a significant shift for millions affected. For continuous updates, follow our Immigration in the U.S. section.
It marked the first time since 2006 that a party lost control of both chambers in a midterm election.
The backlash against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids played a crucial role in the election outcome, particularly among Latino voters.
An exit poll cited by CBS revealed that 58% of voters believed the administration's immigration measures had gone too far, with Republican support plummeting in South Texas and other areas with substantial Hispanic populations that had leaned Republican in 2024.
Trump admitted in the interview that the immigration policy "helped and hurt" the Republicans and expressed his intention to reach an agreement with the Democrats, who will take over Congress on January 3, 2027.
However, concrete signs indicate that there may not be any real shift in immigration policy.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin posted on social media that "deportations will continue" just a day after the electoral defeat, according to EFE.
Additionally, on Friday, Trump appointed Stephen Miller as the new White House Chief of Staff, replacing Susie Wiles.
Miller, regarded as the principal architect of the administration's anti-immigration policies, assumed the role that same Sunday.
The impact of deportations on the Cuban community has been particularly severe: ICE arrests of Cubans increased by 463% between late 2024 and early 2026, with over 42,000 Cubans facing outstanding deportation orders, as per data released in October.
At least 85 Cubans were sent to the Central African Republic on a nearly sixty-hour flight during that same month.
Trump's approval among Hispanics stood at just 32.9% by the end of October, according to a poll published at the time, significantly lower than the 42%-46% of the Latino vote he garnered in the 2024 presidential elections.
The newly Democratic-majority Congress will formally take power on January 3, 2027; until then, Republicans retain control of the outgoing Congress, with Trump remaining in the presidency until January 20, 2029.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trump's Immigration Policies
What did Trump acknowledge about his deportation policy?
Trump admitted that his deportation policy was "too harsh" during an interview on CBS's 60 Minutes.
How did the midterm elections impact Trump's immigration policy?
The Democrats regained control of both chambers of Congress in the midterm elections, which has prompted discussions about potential changes in immigration policy.
Who is Stephen Miller and what is his role?
Stephen Miller, considered the main architect of the previous administration's anti-immigration policies, was appointed as the new White House Chief of Staff.