Miller takes over White House
The president installed his longtime immigration policy architect as chief of staff following his party's midterm losses.
By Amelia Gupta ·
President Donald Trump replaced Susie Wiles with Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff on Friday. The move places a key architect of the administration's hard-line immigration policies in the top position of the executive branch. Trump made the announcement as he prepared to face a newly empowered Democratic Congress next year.
Miller, 41, has served in the administration for nearly a decade. He joined Trump's 2016 campaign as a speechwriter and most recently held the title of deputy chief of staff for policy. His new role gives him direct control over the presidential agenda and a stronger hand in managing interactions with Congress.
Wiles submitted her resignation on Thursday night, according to a person familiar with the conversation. Trump said Wiles would continue working for his political organization. He praised her performance, calling it a very good job and a great job. He noted that sometimes in life, you have to make moves.
The personnel change occurs against the backdrop of a heavy defeat for the Republican Party in Tuesday's midterm elections. The results gave Democrats control of the House, where they are expected to launch investigations into the current administration. Miller is a top target for those inquiries. His elevation suggests Trump intends to rely on executive power rather than legislative cooperation in the final two years of his term.
Miller has been a central figure in the administration's anti-fraud task force and its decision to suspend Microsoft and other entities from a green card program. He also serves as homeland security adviser, a role that allows him to coordinate across multiple federal agencies. During the campaign, he frequently criticized Democrats, labeling them as extremists and lunatics on social media.
Voters expressed dissatisfaction with the immigration enforcement strategies that Miller helped design. An AP Voter Poll from the midterms found that about 60% of respondents believed the administration's actions had gone too far. Most of those voters said they somewhat or strongly disapproved of how Immigration and Customs Enforcement handled its responsibilities.
Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., who will chair the House Oversight Committee, reacted to the news on social media. He stated that Trump was doubling down just days after the American people rejected his presidency. Garcia called Miller the architect of unconstitutional ICE raids that have terrorized communities. He added that Miller should lawyer up.
Wiles, 69, was the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff. She joined Trump's team during his 2016 bid and has since managed his political operations. She recently reported that she no longer showed evidence of breast cancer after months of treatment. In interviews published by Vanity Fair in December 2025, she described Trump as having an alcoholic's personality and criticized the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Wiles is the daughter of the late NFL broadcaster Pat Summerall. She previously managed successful campaigns for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Sen. Rick Scott. Trump often referred to her as the ice maiden due to her disciplined management style. She avoided the spotlight during the 2024 victory party, shaking her head when the president tried to get her to speak.
Trump described Miller as a great manager who gets it politically. Miller joined the president on a trip to Florida on Friday. The two men have worked together since the beginning of Trump's political ascent. Miller's new role places him at the center of the administration's strategy for the upcoming legislative session.
