Why It Matters
President Donald Trump said his immigration crackdown may have gone too far and could contribute to Republicans losing control of the U.S. House and Senate in the midterm elections. The comments came as his administration has removed more than 1 million immigrants from humanitarian and temporary legal statuses.
What Happened
In an interview that aired Sunday, Trump said the campaign had both helped and hurt him politically. Asked whether the enforcement effort had become excessive, Trump replied, “I think it might be too tough, yeah.”
Trump also said he was willing to work with Democrats on legislation addressing legal status for immigrants working in hospitality and other sectors. He said Democrats might be interested in addressing the status of long-term immigrants, but he did not identify which lawmakers might support a deal.
At the same time, Trump elevated Stephen Miller to White House chief of staff. Miller led efforts to remove millions of legal immigrants from Temporary Protected Status and supported an effort to redefine birthright citizenship.
Trade associations representing hospitality, agriculture and construction businesses said the enforcement campaign harmed their industries and the broader economy.
By the Numbers
Sunday — date the interview aired
U.S. House and Senate — chambers Trump said Republicans could lose
more than 1 million — immigrants stripped of humanitarian and temporary legal statuses
millions — legal immigrants affected by efforts involving Temporary Protected Status
2028 — election year Benny Melendez said Republicans could lose the White House
Zoom Out
Benny Melendez, vice chair of the South Texas Builders Association, criticized Miller’s promotion and linked his immigration policies to Republican election losses. “One of the main reasons why the Republicans lost the midterm elections was in big part because of Stephen Miller’s cruelty on immigration policies,” Melendez said.
What’s Next
Trump’s comments leave open the possibility of negotiations with Democrats over legal status for some long-term immigrants and workers in industries that rely on immigrant labor. No specific lawmakers or legislative agreement were identified.