Trump's immigration comments draw conservative backlash

President Donald Trump has suggested openness to legalizing the status of millions of undocumented immigrants, sparking immediate backlash from his conservative base following the Republican Party's losses in the 2026 midterm elections. In a "60 Minutes" interview, Trump acknowledged his deportation policies were "too tough" and proposed allowing long-term undocumented residents to "work a deal," while Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin later signaled potential cooperation with Democrats on immigration reform, though he denied any "amnesty" plans. The comments have triggered fierce criticism from Trump allies, including the Heritage Foundation, House Freedom Caucus, and prominent figures like Megyn Kelly, with critics calling it a betrayal of his base, though Trump has floated similar ideas before without follow-through.