President Trump named Stephen Miller his new White House chief of staff, putting his toughest adviser in charge as he gets ready to face a Democratic Congress.
Story Highlights
- Miller, the deputy chief of staff, replaces Susie Wiles starting Monday, November 9.
- The change came three days after Republicans lost control of Congress in the midterms.
- Officials say Wiles resigned; Trump said she moves to his political operation.
- Some House Republicans pushed back on the pick, and the White House defended it.
What Changed And When
On Friday, November 6, President Trump announced that Stephen Miller will become White House chief of staff starting Monday, November 9, replacing Susie Wiles. The chief of staff runs the White House day to day, controls who gets time with the president, and keeps the staff working on his agenda. The move came three days after Republicans lost control of both the House and the Senate in the Tuesday, November 3, midterm elections.
Trump called Miller “one of my most trusted advisors.” Asked about the shake-up, he told reporters, “you have to make moves.” Reports say Trump picked Miller as he prepares to stand up to a newly empowered Democratic Congress next year. A source close to the White House called Miller a “war time consigliere,” an Italian word for the trusted adviser who guides the boss through a fight. The same source said the pick “probably sends the best possible message to the base.”
Who Stephen Miller Is
Miller has worked for Trump since he joined the 2016 campaign as a speechwriter. Before that, he was an aide to Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama, who later served as Trump’s first attorney general. As deputy chief of staff, Miller has been a key architect of the administration’s hardline immigration and deportation program. Allies describe him as unmatched in loyalty and hard work.
The White House release on the move credited Miller with helping secure the border, drive down violent crime and break up large-scale fraud. Vice President JD Vance said Miller is “an amazing patriot and will do great things.” Former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called Miller the “perfect choice.”
Where Susie Wiles Goes Next
A White House official said Wiles resigned on the evening of Thursday, November 5, and a U.S. official gave the same account. Some reports called it an ouster. Only days earlier, Trump had called a report that Wiles was leaving “TOTAL FAKE NEWS,” according to reports. In his announcement, Trump said Wiles “has done an outstanding job” and “will be moving over to the Trump Political Operation.” He did not say what she will do there.
Wiles, who ran Trump’s 2024 campaign, was the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff. In a post on X, she said Friday was her last day and called the job “the honor of a lifetime.” She pointed to a secure border and tax cuts as wins, and said her role may change but her commitment to the president and the mission will not.
Republicans Split Over The Pick
In reports published Saturday, November 7, some House Republicans criticized the choice. Rep. Marlin Stutzman of Indiana called it a “Horrible decision.” Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska, who is retiring, said Miller “greatly hurt the administration and cost us many seats on Tuesday.” White House spokeswoman Lauren Bis answered that Miller has been a key player in delivering Trump’s America First agenda and will keep delivering in his new job.
For Trump’s base, the message is clear. After a hard loss at the polls, the president chose a proven loyalist who shares his goals on the border and on crime. Miller takes the top staff job on Monday, November 9, and Democrats take control of Congress in January.
Sources:
townhall.com, whitehouse.gov, apnews.com, politico.com, opb.org
