Trump says deportation policy hurt Republicans as he signals interest in deal

Donald Trump said his deportation policy was “too tough” and that it had both helped and hurt Republicans, while expressing interest in reaching an immigration deal with Democrats. The comments mark a shift in tone after mass deportations became a central part of his agenda and follow Democratic gains in recent elections.

Trump said voters strongly backed closing the southern border but were more divided about removing people with established jobs, including workers in hotels and landscaping who sometimes paid taxes. He suggested a deal could offer some form of legal status to undocumented immigrants who have worked in the United States for years. However, his appointment of immigration hardliner Stephen Miller as chief of staff has drawn criticism from Democratic leaders, including Hakeem Jeffries.