Trump is signaling he may soften his own deportation crackdown, a reversal that's bad for his standing with his hardline base and good news for Democrats he's now courting.

• Trump said his deportation policy "might be too tough" and floated working out a deal.
• He suggested Democrats have already reached out about striking an agreement.
• The shift follows backlash over his broader record, including wars he'd promised to avoid.
• Critics frame this as Trump chasing approval after feeling rejected by his own party, not a policy shift driven by strategy.

Outlook: Watch for growing friction with his base as any deal with Democrats on immigration takes shape.