Trump Admits Deportation Crackdown “Might Be Too Tough” and Says It Hurt Him in the Midterms

10th November 2026

Updated 10 Nov 2026, 08:59 · First published 10 Nov 2026

Donald Trump has admitted his mass deportation policy “might be too tough” and says it hurt the Republicans in last week’s US midterm elections, which handed Democrats control of Congress from January.

Speaking to CBS’s 60 Minutes on Sunday, the president said his immigration crackdown had “helped and hurt” him, and suggested he could now strike a deal with Democrats.

Trump on immigration after the midterms

InterviewCBS 60 Minutes, Sunday 8 November

Key admissionDeportation policy “might be too tough”

Effect on the vote“Ultimately, that hurt me”

Border grade he gave himselfA+

CongressDemocrats take control in January

OfferA possible immigration deal with Democrats

What did Trump say?

In his words

“I think, ultimately, that hurt me.”

Donald Trump, on his deportation policy

“The deal would be, we would work something out, and I think that’s something that’s actually doable.”

Donald Trump, on a deal with Democrats

“Very easily.”

Trump, asked if he could go six months without insulting Democrats to reach a deal

Trump said deportations had hurt him because some people with jobs had also been removed. He also said there was a “far right” group that wanted every undocumented immigrant deported, and that some of them worked in the White House. He said some Democrats had already phoned him.

Why did immigration matter less this time?

Polling suggested immigration was a smaller worry for voters than the cost of living or the state of democracy, a big change from the 2024 election, when it was one of the top issues.

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How have people reacted?

Who	What they said
Chuck Schumer, Senate Democratic leader	Said Trump’s choice of Stephen Miller as chief of staff was “a promotion”, not a “course correction”
Rob Menendez, Democrat	“The American people have spoken” – called for an end to federal agents’ tactics
Maria Salazar, Republican	Urged Trump to deliver immigration reform: “This is your moment”
Adam Klein, ex-DHS official	Warned not to confuse “an opening with a commitment”
Trump’s MAGA base	Many on X rejected any form of amnesty

Supporters of the crackdown argue that tough enforcement is what voters asked for in 2024 and that easing off would be a betrayal. Critics say the policy went too far, sweeping up working families, and that the midterms showed voters agree. Whether a deal actually happens will depend on talks once the new Congress sits in January.