Trump names Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff
The senior adviser replaces Susie Wiles amid a 730-day stretch before the next election, prompting sharp criticism from Illinois Democrats.
By Ricardo Alvarez ·
President Donald Trump announced on Friday that Stephen Miller has replaced Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff. The move follows a midterm election in which Democrats secured major legislative gains.
Trump stated he wanted to make a change and credited Wiles with doing a great job. He described Miller as performing well and said life sometimes requires strategic moves. Miller, a senior adviser, has served as a primary architect of the administration's immigration enforcement strategies, including Operation Midway Blitz in the Chicago region.
Miller previously framed the administration's approach in stark terms, asking who else would declare that cartels, criminal migrants, and gangs were gone and that America belongs to Americans. He recently wrote on social media that the mission is now clearer than ever, urging his team to fight with their souls to support the president and defend the Republic.
Democratic leaders in Illinois reacted quickly to the appointment. Rep. Jonathan Jackson, who was just reelected to his third term, described Miller as a very dangerous man. Jackson argued that the elevation signals a combative stance toward Democrats, who now control both chambers of Congress.
Jackson called the decision tone-deaf and arrogant, predicting Miller would use his remaining 730 days to execute policy more destructively. Senator-elect Juliana Stratton labeled Miller the architect of repugnant actions within the administration, asserting that Trump is doubling down rather than changing course.
Miller’s appointment places the administration’s most outspoken voice on immigration at the top of the White House staff hierarchy. The change occurs as the new Congress prepares to take office.
