Trump says deportation policy was too tough after Republican election losses
The US President admitted his immigration crackdown may have contributed to the Republican party's defeat in the midterm elections.
United States President Donald Trump said on Sunday that his administration's mass deportation of undocumented immigrants may have been too aggressive. Speaking to CBS News, Trump acknowledged that these policies might have partly contributed to the Republican party's losses in the midterm elections held on November 3.
According to reports from Scroll, Mint, and Hindustan Times, Trump stated he received high marks for closing the border and removing criminals, but admitted the policy was too harsh regarding people with good jobs who had only committed immigration violations. He noted that while some immigrants pay taxes, the administration's actions caused political hurt.
The midterm elections resulted in Democrats gaining control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. In the Senate, Democrats hold 54 seats to the Republicans' 44. In the House, Democrats won 254 seats against 162 for the Republicans, surpassing the 218 seats required for a majority.
Trump expressed a willingness to negotiate a deal with Democrats to create legal status for immigrants who work and pay taxes. However, shortly after the interview, Trump appointed Stephen Miller as his White House chief of staff, replacing Susie Wiles. Miller is a key architect of the administration's strict immigration policies.
The appointment drew criticism from Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, who described it as a promotion rather than a course correction. The administration's crackdown has included using military aircraft for deportations and suspending the employment-based green card programme.
