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President Donald Trump defended his record in a wide-ranging interview on "60 Minutes," which aired Sunday. The interview followed significant Republican losses in the midterm elections, where the party lost more than 40 House seats and at least seven Senate seats. Trump attributed these setbacks to voter frustration over the Iran war, high gas prices, and weak turnout among supporters, as well as the fact that he was not on the ballot. He insisted that the economy is performing strongly, citing job growth and market gains, but acknowledged that many voters did not believe the administration's message on economic progress amid concerns over inflation and living costs.
During the interview, Trump stood by his decision to attack Iran, arguing it weakened the country's military and nuclear ambitions. He stated he has no immediate plans to escalate the conflict further. On immigration, Trump admitted that his first-term deportation policy was "too tough," saying it ultimately "hurt" him. He suggested there might be a deal to be made with Democrats on immigration, acknowledging that many believe immigrants who have worked in the U.S. for years should be allowed to stay.
Trump also addressed claims that he has prioritized his personal finances while in office, stating that his business is run by his sons and that he spends little time focused on his wealth. He hinted at personnel changes within his administration, having already replaced Chief of Staff Susie Wiles with Stephen Miller. Trump mentioned he may or may not endorse a Republican successor in the 2028 presidential race, noting that his endorsement carries significant weight within the GOP.
The interview, conducted by CBS News correspondent Ross Douthat, also touched on the artificial intelligence race between the U.S. and China. Trump expressed willingness to work with Democrats on AI safety but emphasized the importance of not falling behind China. He stated, "The level of power of winning that race is very important," and added that while he doesn't mind guardrails, he doesn't want the U.S. to be in a "deep second position."