Miller takes over as chief of staff Monday. Trump says his deportation policy might have been too tough.
Stephen Miller begins work Monday as White House chief of staff, replacing Susie Wiles. The start comes after President Donald Trump said in a CBS “60 Minutes” interview that his deportation policy “might be too tough.” The interview, with correspondent Ross Douthat, was taped Friday just hours before Trump named Miller, the chief architect of his immigration agenda. It aired Sunday.
Trump said the crackdown may have contributed to Republican losses in last week’s midterm elections, though he named Iran and bad messaging as the primary reasons, according to CNN. He said he believes “killers” and “drug dealers” in the country illegally should be deported. He said he would like to reach a deal with Democrats, who take control of Congress in January, that could allow others to stay, such as workers in landscaping or hotels. He gave no specifics.
CNN reported it is unclear whether Trump is considering changes to his immigration agenda. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer mocked the remarks on social media Sunday, noting that Trump had named the architect of the policy as chief of staff. Reuters reported officials expect Miller to keep up a hard line toward the Democratic-led Congress.
This report draws on The Associated Press, CNN, CBS News and Reuters.
This reportSenate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer mocked the remarks on social media.