Trump calls his mass deportation plan too tough following election defeat

U.S. President Donald Trump admitted his mass deportation policy for undocumented immigrants was too tough, according to an interview excerpt released by CBS on Sunday, November 8, 2026. Asked about the policy during a '60 Minutes' interview, Mr. Trump stated that it might be too tough. The interview was recorded following the Republican Party's heavy loss in midterm elections on Tuesday. While border security has won him some domestic support, the administration's push to deport millions of migrants has faced widespread criticism. Despite his comments on the policy, Mr. Trump appointed Stephen Miller, the architect of that hardline approach, as his chief of staff on Friday, November 6, 2026. This move signals a fightback after the election defeat. Mr. Miller is closely linked to aggressive immigration enforcement and backed federal agents involved in shooting and killing two Americans early this year.

Context

Presidents often face political pressure to adjust their major policy goals after heavy losses in midterm elections. At the same time, high-level staff appointments can reveal a leader's core strategy when facing political pushback.