Miller takes White House chief of staff role
The 41-year-old immigration architect replaces Susie Wiles as the president faces a Democratic-controlled Congress and incoming oversight probes.
By Mateo Thompson ·
White House operations shift immediately to a policy-focused leader as Stephen Miller assumes the role of chief of staff. The change places the administration’s top immigration architect in the most powerful management position in the executive branch. This move comes as the president prepares to manage a new relationship with a Democratic-led Congress.
Susie Wiles submitted her resignation on Thursday night. A person familiar with the private conversation confirmed the timing to the Associated Press. Trump praised Wiles’ work and announced she would continue serving with his political organization. Wiles, 69, was the first woman to hold the post and had served longer than any other chief of staff in the current administration.
Miller, 41, joined the president’s team as a speechwriter during the 2016 campaign. He most recently served as deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security adviser. His portfolio included coordinating with federal agencies and leading anti-fraud efforts targeting benefit programs. He also oversaw the suspension of certain companies from a green card program.
The appointment signals a strategic resistance to the new legislative balance. Republicans suffered major defeats in Tuesday’s midterm elections. Democrats now hold the power to conduct investigations into the administration. Miller is a primary target for these inquiries given his central role in recent enforcement actions.
Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., who will chair the House Oversight Committee, criticized the decision. Garcia called Miller the architect of unconstitutional raids that terrorized communities. He stated that Miller should lawyer up as investigations proceed. The incoming committee intends to scrutinize how federal agencies handled their responsibilities during the past year.
Voter sentiment played a role in the political calculus. A midterm AP Voter Poll found that approximately 60 percent of respondents believed immigration enforcement actions had gone too far. Many expressed disapproval of how Immigration and Customs Enforcement handled its duties. Miller had actively campaigned against Democratic opponents, labeling them extremists on social media.
Wiles announced her departure after confirming she was cancer-free following treatment. She had disclosed her diagnosis in March 2026. In a recent interview, she described her management style as thoughtful rather than enabling. Trump traveled to Florida on Friday and noted that Miller has been with him from the beginning, calling him a great manager who understands the political landscape.
