Trump picks Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff
Susie Wiles steps aside after Republicans lose control of Congress, and the president turns to a long-time loyalist known for hardline immigration policy.
Key points
- Donald Trump has named Stephen Miller as his new White House chief of staff.
- Susie Wiles resigned after Republicans lost control of both chambers of Congress in the midterms.
- Miller is set to begin the role on Monday, according to the BBC and The Guardian.
- Democrats strongly criticised the appointment, citing Miller's immigration record.
President Donald Trump has chosen Stephen Miller, the main designer of his hard-line immigration policy, to become his new White House chief of staff. According to the BBC, the move follows heavy losses for Republicans in the US midterm elections. The Guardian reported the announcement came on Friday.
The change means Susie Wiles, who held the post until now, is leaving the role. Sources told CBS News that she resigned because of the election results. Trump said in a statement that Wiles would move to the “Trump Political Operation”. Miller is due to start on Monday.
Read also: Nasdaq suffers worst day in 18 months on AI regulation fears
Why the change matters
The Republican defeat means the party no longer controls either chamber of Congress. The BBC said this sets back Trump’s agenda for his final two years in office. Trump described the change as a need to “make moves sometimes”, while praising Wiles for doing a very good job.
Wiles is 69 and was widely seen as one of the most powerful figures in the administration. The Guardian noted she was the first woman to hold the chief of staff role for Trump. She recently recovered from cancer, announcing in September that she was in remission.
Several other officials have also left this week. The BBC named John Eisenberg, head of the justice department’s National Security Division, and Jason Reding Quiñones among those who resigned.
Who Stephen Miller is
Miller is 41 and has been one of Trump’s closest advisers for many years. He joined the 2016 campaign as a speechwriter and has served as deputy chief of staff since January 2025. The Guardian described him as one of the most polarising figures in the administration.
During Trump’s first term, Miller was linked to family separation policies and a travel ban on Muslim-majority countries. The Guardian also reported that more than 100 Democrats in Congress called him a “documented white nationalist” and asked for his removal.
Reaction to the appointment
Democratic lawmakers reacted sharply. Congressman Robert Garcia, who is expected to lead the House Oversight Committee, said he would keep investigating Miller. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called him a dangerous figure and said his presence in government should be removed.
Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, defended the pick. He said Miller had been with the president from the very beginning and would help deliver further victories in the second term. Commentators quoted by The Guardian said the appointment signalled a tougher approach to Congress.
Related: Melania Trump hosts Russian and Ukrainian officials after Oleshky truce
Frequently asked questions
Why did Susie Wiles leave the White House role?
Three sources told CBS News that Wiles quit because of the Republican losses in the midterm elections. She had submitted her resignation to Trump on Thursday night, according to the BBC.
When does Stephen Miller start as chief of staff?
Miller is set to take on the role on Monday, according to both the BBC and The Guardian. He has served as deputy chief of staff since January 2025.
What is Stephen Miller known for?
Miller is known as the architect of Trumpu0026#039;s hardline immigration policy. The Guardian reported he was involved in family separation policies and a travel ban during Trumpu0026#039;s first term.
Sources
- BBC News: Trump names Stephen Miller as new White House chief of staff
- The Guardian: Stephen Miller, architect of Trump’s immigration crackdown, to become White House chief of staff
This article was written with the help of AI from reports by the outlets listed above. See our Editorial Policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
