Trump admits immigration enforcement may have been too ‘tough’ in first interview since midterms

Donald Trump said his immigration enforcement may have been too tough and could have contributed to Republican losses in the midterm elections. He argued that strict border controls and removing people who posed a threat had earned him support, but acknowledged that deporting people with jobs and otherwise good records had also drawn criticism.

In an interview with Ross Douthat, Trump claimed 25 million people entered the United States during Joe Biden’s four years in office, including people he described as criminals or from mental institutions. He said public opinion is divided over whether undocumented immigrants who work and pay taxes should be allowed to stay, and suggested a deal with the incoming Democratic Congress could be possible. A Fox News voter poll cited in the article found immigration was the only issue on which Republicans led Democrats.