President Donald Trump has announced that Stephen Miller, one of the leading architects of his administration’s hardline immigration policies, will become the next White House chief of staff, replacing Susie Wiles following the Republicans’ losses in the midterm elections.
Trump made the announcement Friday in a post on Truth Social, saying he was “pleased to announce” that Miller would assume the position on November 9. He described the 41-year-old adviser as one of his most trusted allies.
Wiles, who became the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff, will move to Trump’s political operation, according to the president.
In a statement posted on X, Wiles confirmed that Friday was her final day in the White House, describing the experience as “the honor of a lifetime.”
She praised the administration’s record, pointing to border security, tax cuts, economic policies, and the president’s America First agenda.
Miller’s Growing Influence in the Trump Administration
Miller has been one of Trump’s closest and most influential advisers for years. During the administration’s second term, he played a central role in implementing its mass deportation campaign and promoting stricter immigration policies.
He has also advocated using federal government powers to pressure jurisdictions governed by Democrats, including proposals to restrict or withhold federal funding.
A California native, Miller’s opposition to non-white immigration reportedly dates back to his high school years, when he regularly called into conservative radio programs to discuss immigration and political issues.
Since Trump returned to the White House in 2025, Miller has also promoted an expansive interpretation of presidential authority, raising questions about the balance of power between the executive branch and Congress.
His influence has extended beyond domestic policy. Miller supported some of Trump’s most controversial foreign policy proposals, including the president’s push to acquire Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
In January, Miller argued that the United States could take control of the island by force, suggesting that international relations were increasingly governed by strength and power.
His role in shaping administration policy has attracted criticism from some Republicans. Outgoing North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis has repeatedly criticized Miller, describing him as a major problem within the administration and questioning his approach to policymaking.
Tillis also called Miller the architect of some of the White House’s most misguided proposals, saying his approach was irrational and that he was out of his depth.
Wiles Leaves After Republican Midterm Setbacks
Trump’s decision to elevate Miller comes after a difficult midterm election for Republicans, who lost control of both chambers of Congress, according to the supplied report. The results are expected to bring renewed Democratic oversight and investigations into the administration beginning in January.
Wiles played a central role in Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and was widely regarded as one of the few advisers capable of persuading the president to reconsider controversial decisions.
As recently as last month, Trump had dismissed reports that Wiles might leave her position, saying she could remain in the job for as long as she wanted.
However, a source familiar with the situation told The Independent that Trump had increasingly grown dissatisfied with Wiles as his political standing weakened and opposition to his administration’s policies intensified.
The source also said that some people within Trump’s circle had raised concerns about whether members of Wiles’ family were benefiting financially from her position.
Wiles reportedly submitted her resignation to Trump on Thursday.
Miller’s appointment signals a significant change in the White House’s leadership structure as the administration prepares to face a Democratic-controlled Congress and a renewed wave of political scrutiny.
