Deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller tapped as new chief of staff
Trump hardliner known for designing anti-immigration policies
President Donald Trump announced Friday that he is replacing White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles with Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, 41 — just three days after Republicans suffered a crushing defeat in the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
Trump announced on Truth Social that Miller would take over as chief of staff starting Monday, Yonhap reported. Trump called Miller "one of the staffers I trust most."
Miller is widely regarded as one of Trump's most hardline loyalists. Born in 1985, he has worked with Trump since the president's first presidential campaign in 2015. He served as senior policy adviser in the first Trump administration and has been the architect of the administration's anti-immigration agenda. In the second administration, as deputy chief of staff for policy, he has spearheaded aggressive immigration measures including large-scale deportations of undocumented immigrants.
The White House issued a separate statement describing Miller as "the driving force behind the administration's major achievements, including bringing violent crime to its lowest level in history, strengthening border security to an unprecedented degree, and eradicating large-scale fraud."
Democratic leaders were sharply critical. Senate Floor Leader Chuck Schumer called Miller "the architect of the most brutal and inhumane policies," while House Floor Leader Hakeem Jeffries labeled him "a dangerous xenophobe."
Trump said of the departing Wiles that "Susie Wiles, who has done a fantastic job, will be moving to the Trump Political Operation," adding that he was "grateful for her dedication as chief of staff." Wiles had served as Trump's campaign manager for his 2024 presidential election victory and has been a central figure overseeing White House operations since the start of the second administration. She was the first woman in history to serve as White House chief of staff.
Trump did not elaborate on what the "Trump Political Operation" is.
Miller said on X that he considered his appointment as chief of staff "an honor."
Wiles wrote on X that serving Trump at the White House had been "the honor of a lifetime," adding, "My role may change, but my commitment to the president and the mission will never waver."
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said Wiles had done excellent work but that he "wanted to make a change."
Wiles had been credited with keeping the White House running smoothly, built on a foundation of deep mutual trust with Trump. Of late, however, reports had emerged of growing friction between the two.
The New York Times, citing sources with direct knowledge of internal White House affairs, reported Friday that Trump had recently sidelined Wiles from key personnel decisions.
cook@heraldcorp.com
