Trump calls immigration policy too tough for voters after election setback
Election setback prompts admission
Trump told CBS’s 60 Minutes that his immigration policy might have been too tough for voters. He also conceded that his deportation drive had harmed the Republican Party’s showing in the previous week’s midterm elections.
He said a deal could be worked out and described that possibility as achievable. The interview was broadcast on Sunday.
Proposal would distinguish migrants
Trump said a moderate agreement would continue to deport people who had committed crimes. He also said people he characterized as good, who had lived and worked in the country and paid taxes, could be permitted to stay.
The interview remarks followed extensive detention and deportation operations in multiple US cities. Those operations led to a sharp rise in arrests.
Schumer criticizes response
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer responded in a post on X, saying Trump had acknowledged that the crackdown went too far. Schumer criticized the decision to put the person responsible for it in charge of the White House, calling that a promotion rather than a correction.
The enforcement operations had prompted protests. Federal officers killed two US citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, during demonstrations against the operations.
Key points
- Trump said his immigration policy may have been too harsh for voters.
- He linked the deportation drive to Republicans’ performance in last week’s midterm elections.
- Trump said a possible deal would deport criminals but could let some long-term residents stay.