US: Trump admits immigration policies were too strict, costing the Republican Party electorally

November 9, 2026

Washington, DC (USA): US President Donald Trump has admitted that his government’s strict immigration policies may have cost the Republican Party in the November 3 midterm elections. He admitted that the campaign to deport illegal immigrants was excessively harsh, affecting even those who had long lived, worked, and established their lives in the US.

In an interview with CBS News’ “60 Minutes,” Trump said that his government’s immigration crackdown both benefited and harmed the Republican Party electorally. He said that while his government received significant public support for securing the US-Mexico border and deporting people with criminal records, the widespread crackdown angered some voters.

Speaking about his party’s performance in the elections, Trump said, “I think it was too strict. Many people think it’s good, but many people think it was too strict.”

The president claimed he received an A+ for closing the US border and a very good rating for deporting criminals. However, he also acknowledged that his government’s deportation policy also affected illegal immigrants who had been living and working in the US for many years.

Trump said, “But it also hurts me because we deported people who had good jobs and who had just broken a law. Their only crime was entering the country illegally.”

American public opinion divided on illegal immigrants

Trump stated that public opinion in the United States is divided on whether illegal immigrants who have lived in the country for 10 years or more, working, and in some cases, even paying taxes, should be deported or allowed to remain.

He stated that a large segment of the country believes such individuals should be deported. Another segment believes that if they are living as good citizens and working in landscaping companies, hotels, or other places, they should be allowed to remain in the United States.

According to CBS News, Trump’s statement comes three days after the Republican Party suffered a major setback in the elections. Democratic candidates gained in South Texas and other areas with a large number of Hispanic voters. These areas had supported the Republican Party during the 2024 presidential election. Trump’s strict immigration policies were seen as one of the reasons for this political shift.

Trump willing to compromise with Democrats on immigration

Speaking on his future strategy, Trump expressed his desire to work with the Democratic Party. Democrats are set to control both houses of Congress starting in January.

Trump said, “I would love to do something on immigration.” This statement indicated that he could explore the possibility of a compromise with Democratic lawmakers on this issue. However, it is not yet clear whether his administration plans to make any changes to its current immigration policy.

Major change in the White House, Stephen Miller given responsibility

Trump’s statement comes amid a major administrative change in the White House. He has appointed Stephen Miller to replace Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Miller is considered one of the key strategists behind the Trump administration’s strict immigration policies.

Miller subsequently reiterated his allegiance to Trump during an address at Mar-a-Lago. He pledged “absolute loyalty” and “complete dedication” to the president.

It’s worth noting that voter dissatisfaction with Joe Biden’s immigration policies was a major factor in Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election. During that time, there was a surge in unauthorized entry at the US-Mexico border, which Trump made a major issue in his campaign.