Trump appoints Stephen Miller as new White House chief of staff, replaces Susie Wiles

UPDATE - follow-up to Trump installs Stephen Miller as chief of staff, replacing Susie Wiles: President Donald Trump moved on Friday to name longtime aide Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff, ousting Susie Wiles. The president told reporters on Truth Social, “I wanted to make a change,” adding that Miller is “very good politically” and a “great manager.” Miller will start the role on Monday, and Trump praised Wiles for an “outstanding job” before sending her to the Trump Political Operation. A senior White House adviser said Wiles resigned Thursday night, a move linked to the Republican midterm defeats, and that she had planned to stay through the lame‑duck session. Miller, known for designing the administration’s immigration enforcement program, has been described by Democrats as the architect of “barbaric, inhumane policies.” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called the appointment “the worst choice” and vowed his majority will fight Miller at every step. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries labeled Miller a “dangerous xenophobe” and said his presence should be eradicated. Rep. Robert Garcia, set to chair the House Oversight Committee, warned Miller to “lawyer up” and said Democrats will investigate his conduct. The change signals Trump’s continued hard‑line approach despite recent electoral setbacks and suggests a more confrontational dynamic with the incoming Democratic Congress.

Context

The staff shift follows the 2024 midterm losses that prompted the White House to reassess its senior team, and it underscores the ongoing clash between Trump’s agenda and the Democratic majority poised to take Congress in January.