Trump says deportations may have been ‘too tough,’ seeks immigration talks after midterm losses

In a post-election interview, the president defended his economic record and expressed interest in working with Democrats as they prepare to control Congress.

President Donald Trump said his administration’s deportation policies may have hurt Republicans in the midterm elections and expressed interest in negotiating an immigration agreement with Democrats, who won control of both chambers of Congress.

Trump defended his border enforcement efforts while acknowledging concerns about the removal of people who were working and contributing to their communities in a Nov. 8 interview.

“I think it might be too tough, yeah,” Trump said when asked about his deportation policy.

The interview was recorded at the White House following the Nov. 3 election. The conversation covered Republican losses, the economy, immigration, foreign policy and artificial intelligence.

Trump said immigration enforcement had produced both political benefits and consequences. He continued to support border security and removing dangerous offenders, but acknowledged that deporting employed immigrants had contributed to the backlash against his party.

He indicated that an agreement could accommodate some immigrants who work and pay taxes while maintaining deportations of criminals. He did not provide specific eligibility requirements, a timetable or a legislative proposal.

“The deal would be we would work something out,” Trump said. “And I think it’s something — I think that’s something that’s actually doable.”

The discussion came as Trump selected Stephen Miller, a principal architect of his immigration agenda, to replace Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff.

Democrats have identified oversight of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security as priorities for the incoming Congress.

Their election victories will place Trump’s administration under scrutiny from congressional majorities controlled by the opposing party during the remaining two years of his term.

Trump also defended his economic performance while acknowledging shortcomings in communicating his administration’s record.

“I think it was bad messaging, maybe by me,” Trump said.

For Western North Carolina, the change in congressional control comes as state officials continue seeking additional federal assistance for Hurricane Helene recovery.

Gov. Josh Stein submitted a revised request in June for approximately $10.17 billion in additional federal support. It included $3.07 billion for housing, $1.03 billion for water and wastewater infrastructure, $3.05 billion for local infrastructure and $1.56 billion for economic recovery. Other requested funding would support private roads and bridges, federal highways, local governments and communities.

The request was reduced from an earlier proposal to account for funding already awarded and revised damage estimates. In his June letter to North Carolina’s congressional delegation, Stein said substantial housing and infrastructure needs remained despite progress in rebuilding.

The Trump administration announced additional transportation assistance before the election. On Oct. 20, the Federal Highway Administration announced $873 million in emergency relief for continued repairs to roads, bridges and other transportation infrastructure in Western North Carolina. The agency said its Helene-related investment in North Carolina totaled $2.9 billion.

Workforce and housing challenges also remain part of the region’s recovery. An October assessment released by the governor’s office reported that Western North Carolina’s labor force had declined by more than 16,000 people since 2023. The assessment described housing costs, uneven job growth and infrastructure problems that preceded Helene and were intensified by the storm. It did not attribute the workforce decline to immigration enforcement.

Trump also expressed willingness to consider safeguards for artificial intelligence while emphasizing competition with China.

“I don’t mind guardrails,” he said. He added that he did not want restrictions to put the United States in “a deep second position.”

Trump’s comments suggested openness to safeguards, although the scope of possible restrictions remained unclear.

The president also discussed the next Republican presidential contest. He suggested he might remain neutral in the 2028 nomination race and praised Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio without endorsing a candidate.

Trump’s proposed immigration negotiations would take place under the new congressional balance of power.