President Donald Trump announced on Friday that Stephen Miller, the architect of his hard‑line immigration policy, will become the White House chief of staff, effective Monday. Miller replaces Susie Wiles, who tendered her resignation after Republicans lost control of both chambers of Congress.
Speaking to reporters, Trump praised Wiles, saying she had "done a very good job" but that "we've got to make moves sometimes." He added that Miller "gets it, very good politically" and is a "very good manager" who will "do a great job".
Miller, 41, served as deputy chief of staff and senior adviser during Trump’s first term and has been a close aide since the 2020 election defeat. On X, he called the president "the most transformative political leader in American History" and thanked Wiles for her service and friendship.
Wiles, 69, was one of the most powerful figures in the administration. She had planned to stay until the end of the year but left earlier after the mid‑term losses. Trump said she would move to the "Trump Political Operation" and that her deputies’ future roles were unclear.
Other Trump‑era officials have also resigned in the wake of the elections, including several DOJ leaders. Democratic lawmakers have condemned Miller’s appointment, accusing him of fostering unconstitutional ICE raids and xenophobic policies. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called him a "dangerous xenophobe and reckless extremist."
Trump’s communications director Steven Cheung welcomed Miller, stating he is "the biggest advocate for the Trump agenda" and will help deliver "monumental victories" in the president’s second term.
As the administration moves forward, observers will watch how Miller’s hard‑line stance shapes policy amid a Congress now dominated by Democrats.
