Trump Calls Deportation Policies Too Tough, Then Promoted Stephen Miller

Trump weighs election losses

In a “60 Minutes” interview, Trump linked Republicans’ midterm losses to frustration over the war on Iran and his immigration policies. He said voters “didn’t like the war” and pointed to rising gasoline prices. Trump also cited opposition to Israel, describing it as “a great dislike.” He said his immigration approach may have affected the results and conceded he may have been “too tough.”

A tension over enforcement

The interview highlighted a divide between Trump’s hard-line supporters and the broader public. Trump said some in his base “would like everybody taken out,” while the account says the general population rejects his harsh policies.

Miller’s role and enforcement

Trump promoted political adviser Stephen Miller to White House chief of staff. Miller helped shape the administration’s mass deportation policies, including family separation, and is described as a hard-line white nationalist.

The account says Trump’s promotion of Miller points toward continued aggressive deportation tactics. It also notes that the story places the interview on Sunday evening but describes the promotion as occurring shortly after the interview on Friday.

Operations and public response

After resistance to ICE’s Operation Metro Surge in the Twin Cities, Trump replaced Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem with Markwayne Mullin. Mullin promised that department operations would be less visible and less prominent in headlines.

ICE later arrested about 2,200 people during Operation Rotten Apple in New York City in July and August, more than were detained during Metro Surge. The account says agents used unmarked cars and moved quickly, limiting the chance for resistance to build.