Trump on Midterm Losses, Iran War, and Successors

President Donald Trump acknowledged his Republican Party's significant midterm losses in a post-election interview, attributing the defeat to the Iran war, high gasoline prices, and anti-Israel sentiment rather than his own actions. He expressed openness to working with the incoming Democratic majority on immigration reform, suggesting his deportation policies may have been "too tough." Trump defended his decision to strike Iran's nuclear facilities, calling it historically correct despite the ongoing war, and claimed the U.S. economy is strong despite public dissatisfaction. He announced plans for minor staff changes, and shortly after the interview, replaced Chief of Staff Susie Wiles with Stephen Miller, the architect of his mass deportation policy. The president discussed potential Republican successors, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while declining to commit to endorsing anyone. He dismissed corruption concerns over his cryptocurrency company's foreign investments, and expressed confidence in managing AI risks while competing with China. Trump also stated he cannot forgive his political enemies, saying he "hates" some of them and always will.