Miller takes over White House role

Stephen Miller will replace Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff, President Trump announced on Friday.

The switch follows the midterm elections held this week, in which Republicans lost power. Trump framed the decision as a defiant move. Miller has designed many of the administration's controversial policies since the first term, with a heavy focus on immigration. Voter data from this week indicates that aggressive immigration enforcement was a factor in Democratic gains.

Miller currently holds the title of deputy chief of staff. He also serves as an advisor to the Department of Homeland Security. He will begin his new duties on Monday. Trump said Miller has been with him since the beginning and understands the job. The president also stated that Wiles would remain on staff to handle political operations.

Wiles has served as chief of staff since the start of this administration. She previously worked on the 2020 campaign in Florida. Her tenure is marked by reduced staff turnover and fewer press leaks compared to the previous term. Wiles released a statement on X expressing pride in the work completed, including border security and tax cuts. She said her commitment to the president remains unchanged despite the role change.

Miller has been a fixture in Trump's inner circle since 2016. He has advised on military operations in the Middle East and is known for his direct communication style. He frequently appears behind the president during Oval Office media events. Miller has remained unapologetic about the administration's strict immigration crackdowns, which have been popular with core supporters.

David Cohen, a political science professor at the University of Akron, noted that the chief of staff controls access to the president's time and information. Cohen explained that the role often involves being the last person to speak with the president, acting as a broker for various voices within the administration.

Wiles was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year. She announced this fall that she is cancer free. She previously told Vanity Fair journalist Chris Whipple that Trump has an alcoholic's personality, but said she is accustomed to managing such temperaments.