White House pushes back after Trump signals openness to long-term migrants staying

The developing report centres on the White House’s efforts to reject claims that Donald Trump endorsed an amnesty deal after he said he was open to some long-term undocumented immigrants staying and to working with Democrats. The dispute highlights a tension between Trump’s comments and the administration’s emphasis on immigration enforcement as Republicans debate their response to recent election losses.

In a pre-recorded interview aired on Sunday, Trump said people who had lived in the US for many years and held “good jobs” could be allowed to stay, and suggested mass deportation efforts may have been too broad. A White House official said Trump had not used the word “amnesty” and cited more than 3 million undocumented immigrants leaving the country. The remarks come as Stephen Miller is set to replace departing chief of staff Susie Wiles, while Vice-President JD Vance has warned Republicans against pursuing amnesty.