WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has appointed Stephen Miller, the architect of his hardline immigration policies, as his new White House chief of staff following major Republican losses in the midterm elections.
Miller, 41, will replace Susie Wiles, who submitted her resignation after Democrats secured control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, weakening Trump’s legislative position for the remaining two years of his presidency.
The appointment is expected to take effect on Monday.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump praised Wiles for her performance but said changes were sometimes necessary.
“Susie has done a very good job,” he said, adding that Miller was politically experienced and capable of managing the administration.
A Longtime Trump Loyalist
Miller has been among Trump’s closest political advisers since joining his presidential campaign in January 2016.
He previously served as a senior adviser during Trump’s first administration and became deputy chief of staff during his second term.
He played a central role in developing the administration’s immigration agenda, including travel restrictions, family separation policies and expanded deportation measures.
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Miller also strongly defended Trump’s use of executive powers to implement major policy changes.
In a statement on X, Miller described Trump as one of the most transformative political leaders in American history and pledged to support his administration’s agenda.
Wiles Leaves After Republican Election Defeat
Wiles, 69, was regarded as one of the most influential figures in Trump’s administration.
Her departure came after Democrats won control of both congressional chambers in Tuesday’s midterm elections.
Trump said she would move to his political operation, although the future roles of her deputies remained unclear.
Wiles described serving in Trump’s administration as the honour of a lifetime and said her commitment to the president would continue.
Democrats Criticise Appointment
Miller’s appointment immediately attracted criticism from Democratic lawmakers.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries described him as an extremist, while Congressman Robert Garcia pledged continued investigations into his conduct.
Trump administration communications director Steven Cheung defended the appointment, describing Miller as a leading advocate of the president’s political agenda.
Several other Justice Department officials have also resigned following the Republican election losses.
The leadership change comes as Trump faces a Democratic-controlled Congress, potentially creating greater challenges for his legislative priorities during the remainder of his presidency.
