Trump names Stephen Miller as chief of staff amid midterm losses
The White House leadership shakeup follows Republican defeats in this week's elections and comes as Miller steps up from deputy chief of staff.
By Alessia Desai ·
President Donald Trump announced Friday that Stephen Miller will replace Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff. The decision was made public shortly after Republicans were swept out of power during this week's midterm elections. Miller, currently serving as deputy chief of staff, is set to assume the new position on Monday.
The leadership change marks a shift in the administration's internal structure following a difficult electoral cycle. Data indicated that voters supported Democratic candidates in part due to the president's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics. Miller has been the architect of many of these controversial policies since his first term, particularly in the immigration sector. The appointment signals a continuation of his policy influence despite the electoral setback.
Trump stated to reporters in the afternoon that Miller has been with him since the beginning and understands the administration's goals. In a post on Truth Social, the president noted that Wiles will continue to work for him on political operations. Wiles, who served as chief of staff from day one of this administration, issued a statement on X. She expressed pride in accomplishments including border security, tax cuts, and economic strengthening, while noting her commitment to the mission remains unchanged.
Wiles built a reputation as a strict manager who reduced staff turnover and press leak volatility compared to the president's first term. She worked with the Trump 2020 campaign in Florida before moving to the White House. Earlier this year, Wiles was diagnosed with breast cancer, but officials announced this fall that she was cancer free. In a profile for Vanity Fair magazine last year, she described the president as having an alcoholic's personality, a temperament she said she had learned to manage.
Miller has been a fixture in Trump's circles since 2016, focusing on immigration and advising on military operations in the Middle East. He is known for his rhetorical pugnacity and frequently appears behind the president during Oval Office media events. As chief of staff, he will exercise greater influence over the president's time and attention. The role serves as a gatekeeper for information and access to the president.
David Cohen, a political science professor at the University of Akron, noted that the chief of staff is supposed to be a neutral broker ensuring all voices are heard. However, he added that the position often involves being the last person to talk to the president. Miller's unapologetic stance on the administration's controversial actions, particularly anti-immigration crackdowns, has been popular with Trump's core voting base.
The transition is scheduled for Monday, marking the end of Wiles' tenure as chief of staff and the beginning of Miller's direct control over the White House agenda.
